METODI E TECNICHE DELLA RIABILITAZIONE PSICHIATRICA ED ESPRESSIONE CORPOREA II
Module TECNICHE RIABILITATIVE GRAFICHE II

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: RITA BELLA

Expected Learning Outcomes

Intended Learning Outcomes (Dublin Descriptors)

 1. Knowledge and understanding

Students will acquire knowledge of the scientific, theoretical, and methodological prerequisites of graphic–pictorial expressive techniques, with particular reference to their therapeutic and rehabilitative potential in educational, clinical, and socio-rehabilitative contexts. They will understand the principles underlying the activation of a communication and expression channel mediated by graphic–pictorial activity, as well as the organization of the laboratory setting, developing observational skills regarding expressive processes and relational dynamics.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding

Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge in the design and implementation of graphic–pictorial activities in rehabilitative contexts, using methods and tools appropriate to therapeutic objectives. They will be able to organize and manage the laboratory setting, facilitate graphic expression as a communicative channel, and guide participants through the creative process in a structured and aware manner.

3. Making judgements

Students will develop the ability to observe, analyze, and interpret graphic–pictorial productions and expressive processes within the laboratory setting, formulating evaluations consistent with rehabilitative goals. They will be able to critically reflect on the dynamics of the setting and adapt operational strategies to the characteristics of participants and the specific context.

4. Communication skills

Students will acquire communication skills useful for conducting laboratory activities and facilitating the expressive process. They will be able to employ appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication strategies within graphic–pictorial mediation, fostering a supportive relational climate and encouraging both individual and group expression.

5. Learning skills

Students will develop autonomous learning skills and the ability to continuously update their knowledge in the field of expressive techniques applied to rehabilitation. They will be able to further explore methodologies, tools, and theoretical approaches related to the use of graphic–pictorial activities in therapeutic and socio-educational contexts, integrating acquired knowledge into professional practice.

Course Structure

Frontal interactive lessons

Seminars

Required Prerequisites

basic knowledge of SNC anatomy and physiology, neuropsychological functions and normal and patologic mental process. The student have to acquire the notion of previous teaching course (mandatory)

Attendance of Lessons

Mandatory

Detailed Course Content

Theorires of perception. Visual processing. Bottom-up and Top-down processing. Face patches and processing. Reductionsm in art and analysis of learning and memory. Emotional system. Pareidolia. Mirror neurones and art. Colours and brain. Art in depression and schizophrenia. Electroencephalogram and creativity. Art in dementia. Drawing in autism and in the blind. Neuroimaging correlates of graphic arts. Default network. Application  of the graphic-pictorial project in training,  prevention, reintegration and rehabilitation in mentally disabled subjects. Expressive modalities of thinking and personal experiences through the non-verbal language of visual and plastic art. Symbolization of thoughts and emotions. Self-recognition and self-understanding process, environmental interaction. Definition and role of the art therapist:  materials preparation in a protected  environment, relaxation, assessment of the relational context. Evaluation of results and corrective feedback.

Textbook Information

- Ba G (2003). Strumenti e tecniche della Riabilitazione Psichiatrica. FrancoAngeli, Milano.  (reference book)

   -   Ba G, Magnotti R (2002). Tecniche di intervento in un atelier di arteterapia. In M Rabboni (a cura di) I colori della mente. Art brut e arteterapia contro lo stigma della psicosi. Marsilio, Venezia (consultation book)

   - E Kandel (2017) Arte e Neuroscienze (reference book)

  - Maffei L, Fiorentini A (2008) Arte e Cervello (consultation book)

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Applicabilità del progetto grafo-pittorico in ambito educativo-preventivo, di reintegrazione e di riabilitazione nei soggetti portatori di handicap mentali.Ba G, Magnotti R (2002). Tecniche di intervento in un atelier di arteterapia. In M Rabboni (a cura di) I colori della mente. Art brut e arteterapia contro lo stigma della psicosi. Marsilio, Venezia
2Modalità espressive di pensieri e vissuti attraverso il linguaggio non verbale dell’arte visiva e plastica.Ba G (2003). Strumenti e tecniche della Riabilitazione Psichiatrica. FrancoAngeli, Milano
3La simbolizzazione come capacità di dare forma a pensieri ed emozioni.Ba G (2003). Strumenti e tecniche della Riabilitazione Psichiatrica. FrancoAngeli, Milano
4Riconoscimento di sé e processo di autocomprensione, interazione con il mondo relazionale.Ba G, Magnotti R (2002). Tecniche di intervento in un atelier di arteterapia. In M Rabboni (a cura di) I colori della mente. Art brut e arteterapia contro lo stigma della psicosi. Marsilio, Venezia
5Definizione e ruolo dell’arteterapeuta: preparazione del materiali e dell’ambiente protetto, rilassamento, creazione del contesto relazionale.Ba G (2003). Strumenti e tecniche della Riabilitazione Psichiatrica. FrancoAngeli, Milano
6Valutazione dei risultati e feedback correttivi.Ba G (2003). Strumenti e tecniche della Riabilitazione Psichiatrica. FrancoAngeli, Milano
7Teorie della percezione. Elaborazione visiva. Elaborazione bottom-up e top-down. Elaborazione dei volti. Analisi riduzionista dell'apprendimento e della memoria. Elaborazione affettiva. Pareidolia. Relazione neuroni specchio-arte-empatia estetica.Kandel et al. Principi di Neuroscienze Quarta edizione. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana 2014
8Colore e cervello. Simbologia dei colori. Stadi di sviluppo del disegno. Disegno ed autismo. Disegno nei non vedenti. Arte e depressione. Arte e schizofrenia.- Maffei L, Fiorentini A (2008) Arte e Cervello
9Elettroencefalogramma e creatività. Demenza ed espressività artistica. Arte grafica e correlati di neuroimagingmateriale didattico a cura del docente (monografie, materiale audio-visivo)

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Learning assessment may also be carried out on line, should the conditions require it.

Oral exam. Elements to be evaluated: relevance of the answers, quality of their contents, ability to connect with other topics within the program, ability to report examples, quality of technical language, and overall expressive ability.

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students can request a meeting in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measure, according to the educational goals and specific needs. In this case, it is advisable to contact the CInAP (Centre for Active and Participated Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) professor of the Department where the Degree Course is included

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

Artistic creativity of neuropsychiatric diseases

Methodological aspects of creativity

Instrumental correlates of  creativity