The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature analysis to elucidate the therapeutic factors of art
therapy and ascertain how to categorize therapeutic factors of art therapy. We exeamined the therapeutic
factors in art therapy and more systematically classified the therapy factors into categories by supervising
art therapists. This study was conducted using the conceptual method. First, to prepare a concept map, we
collected literature related to the therapeutic factors of art therapy and selected study subjects. From
literature analysis, we selected 66 final statements therapeutic factors of art therapy. The statements were
made into 66 cards. The subjects classified the 66 cards according to similarity. We then conducted the
multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis on these groupings. From these processes, we
acquired therapy factors of art therapy in two dimensions and five categories. The two dimensions were
“taking a view through visualization versus a safe expression” and “therapy experience versus therapy
relationship.” The Five categories included “ease of expression through symborization”, “understanding
self through visual externalization”, “creative therapy experience”, “safe therapy environment” and
“client-creation-therapy relationship”.