New NHS-Based Research on Art Therapy and Burnout
As seen in the news in recent days, we’ve been reading with interest new research examining the role of art therapy in addressing burnout and mental distress among healthcare professionals.
The study, titled “Art therapy to reduce burnout and mental distress in healthcare professionals in acute hospitals,” was published in 2025 and led by Megan Tjasink at Queen Mary University of London, in partnership with Barts Health NHS Trust.
This research represents the first full randomised controlled trial to examine the effects of art therapy within acute hospital settings.
The study design
The trial involved 129 participants, including doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals across four major London hospitals. All participants entered the study experiencing moderate to severe burnout.
Those in the intervention group attended six weekly 90-minute group art therapy sessions. The sessions were manualised, meaning they followed a clearly defined and replicable psychological structure, and were facilitated by qualified art psychotherapists.
A comparison group remained on a waitlist and continued with treatment as usual, allowing for a clear assessment of the intervention’s effects. The study reported an 89 percent completion rate, suggesting that participants found the sessions accessible despite demanding workloads.
Key findings
Reduced emotional exhaustion
The study found a clear reduction in emotional exhaustion, often described as the central feature of burnout. Participants reported feeling less drained and overwhelmed by their work.Lower depersonalisation and stress
Participants experienced a reduction in depersonalisation, the sense of emotional numbing or detachment that can develop in high-pressure roles. Levels of perceived stress also reduced, with participants feeling more able to cope with day-to-day demands.Improvements in anxiety and low mood
The research showed improvements in broader mental health. Participants reported lower levels of anxiety and a reduction in depressive symptoms following the six-week programme.Benefits maintained over time
Follow-up assessments three months after the sessions ended showed that these improvements were maintained, suggesting lasting benefits rather than short-term relief.High levels of acceptability
Feedback from participants was consistently positive. All participants said they would recommend the group to a colleague, and most reported that both the art-making process and the group setting were helpful and supportive.Art therapy and emotional processing
Art therapy and emotional processing
Burnout in emotionally demanding roles often develops in contexts where there is limited space to process cumulative emotional exposure. Healthcare professionals are frequently required to remain focused, decisive and emotionally contained while working in high-pressure environments.
Art therapy provides a structured therapeutic framework that does not rely solely on verbal reflection. Working with images and materials can support the exploration of experiences that feel difficult to articulate or that have been set aside in the course of ongoing professional demands. The group context also allows for shared recognition of emotional strain.
Art therapy at Heathwell
At Heathwell, art therapy is offered by fully qualified art therapists working with young people and adults experiencing burnout, emotional overload and work-related stress. This work is delivered in a contained clinical setting in South East London and sits alongside other psychological approaches, depending on individual needs.
If you would like to explore whether art therapy may be appropriate for you, our team in Blackheath can support you in finding an approach that fits your situation.
