Potential of Mindfulness and Art Therapy for Emergency First Responders

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to take a more in-depth look into the unique mental health challenges of those in first responder professions, briefly overview some of the systems currently in place to assist them and explore the idea of using mindfulness and art creation to benefit this population. This review covers mindfulness interventions, art therapy interventions, and interventions that integrate the two fields in addition to discussing the potential that each of these areas has in terms of providing first responders with positive coping methods and strengthening psychological resilience. This review also pleads for the inclusion of emergency first responders in the growing body of trauma research.