Art Based Group Therapy

Leading art therapy groups is often a challenge, but as Bruce Moon so eloquently describes in this new second edition, making art in the context of others is an incredibly and almost inexplicably powerful experience. By placing the art at the center of practice, Art-Based Group Therapy creates an explanatory model and rationale for group practice that is rooted in art therapy theory and identity. There are four primary goals discussed in this text. First, an overview of essential therapeutic elements of art-based group work is provided. Second, a number of case vignettes that illustrate how therapeutic elements are enacted in practice are presented. Third, the author clearly differentiates art-based group therapy theory from traditional group psychotherapy theory. Fourth, the aspects of art-based group work and their advantages unique to art therapy are explored. Art-based group processes can be used to enhance participants' sense of community and augment educational endeavors, promote wellness, prevent emotional difficulties, and treat psychological behavioral problems. Artistic activity is used in art-based groups processes to: (1) create self-expression and to recognize the things group members have in common with one another; (2) develop awareness of the universal aspects of their difficulties as a means to identify and resolve interpersonal conflicts; (3) increase self-worth and alter self-concepts; (4) respond to others and express compassion for one another; and (5) clarify feelings and values. Through the author's effective use of storytelling, the reader encounters the group art therapy experience, transcending the case vignette and didactic instruction. Art-based group therapy can help group members achieve nearly any desired outcome, and/or address a wide range of therapeutic objectives. The book will be of benefit to students, practitioners, and educators alike. Using it as a guide, art therapy students may be more empowered to enter into the uncertain terrains of their practice grounded in a theory soundly based in their area of study. Practitioners will no doubt be encouraged, validated, and inspired to continue their work. The author succeeds in establishing a framework that allows art therapists to communicate the value of their work in a language that is unique to art therapy.

Creative Arts-Based Group Therapy with Adolescents provides principles for effective use of different arts-based approaches in adolescent group therapy, grounding these principles in neuroscience and group process practice-based evidence. It includes chapters covering each of the main creative arts therapy modalities—art therapy, bibliotherapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, and poetry/expressive writing therapy—written by respected contributors who are expert in the application of these modalities in the context of groups. These methods are uniquely effective for engaging adolescents and addressing many of the developmental, familial, and societal problems that they face. The text offers theory and guiding principle, while also providing a comprehensive resource for group therapists of diverse disciplines who wish to incorporate creative arts-based methods into their practice with teens.

This book presents a collection of practical exercises, games, structures and techniques for use by art therapists, teachers and other groupwork leaders working in schools, hospitals and day centres.

Group Art Therapy: Practice and Research is the first textbook of its kind, taking into account practice-based evidence and using a transtheoretical approach to present a range of art therapy group interventions. The book covers essential topics including leadership, art making, successful therapeutic factors, and the basic stages of developing and facilitating groups. Offering practical information not only to students but also to experienced practitioners, the chapters provide details about preparation and practice, note-taking and documentation, and research tips. Adhering to the most up-to-date educational standards and ethical codes of art therapy, the book covers the full range of settings and art therapy approaches. This text will prepare art therapy graduate students and practitioners to lead groups in a variety of settings, theoretical approaches, and applications.

The second edition of the highly successful 1987 book brings together the varied theoretical approaches to art therapy, and provides a variety of solutions to the challenge of translating theory to technique. In each chapter, the esteemed contributors, experts in the approach of the particular chapter, provide a definition of and orientation to the specific theory or area of emphasis, showing its relevance to art therapy. Clinical examples and nearly 100 illustrations are employed as the authors present the creative and effective treatment of patients. In addition to the strength of the theoretical overview, this new edition offers many new chapters including those on cognitive-behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy. The text is divided into five sections: psychodynamic approaches; humanistic approaches; psycho-educational approaches; systemic approaches; and integrative approaches. Commentaries by well known art therapists follow each section of the book. Art therapists at all levels, as well as any mental health professional utilizing art in their clinical work, will find this new edition of value and interest.

This book introduces the reader to the approach and general philosophy of the use of art as an additional language in group therapy. It demonstrates the usefulness of the language of art in enabling group therapists and their clients to understand group members' perceptions of constructs and realities.

The first edition of Group Interactive Art Therapy presented the first theoretical formation of a model integrating the change-enhancing factors of both interactive group psychotherapy and art therapy, demonstrating its use in practice through a series of illustrated case examples. This long-awaited second edition updates the content of the original in light of the major social, cultural and political changes of the past two decades and presents new examples of the model in practice. The new edition includes a brand-new section on the use of group interactive art therapy in research with people with dementia, with schizophrenia, and those in rehabilitation from a stroke. The book also features two chapters on the use of the model in a broader context. The book is presented in four parts: Introducing group interactive art therapy The model in practice: case examples The wider context Group interactive art therapy used in research Each section demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of the model in different cultural and social settings and with a variety of client groups. The development of knowledge about the skills required for conducting an interactive art therapy group and its suitability for different clients has been incorporated throughout the book, as well as practical information on working in areas where there is limited access to art materials.

The real world of professional ethics in art therapy is, more times than not, a spectrum of shades of gray. In this exceptional new fourth edition, the authors raise questions and provide information related to the many ethical dilemmas art therapists face. Several chapters refer to the Ethical Principles for Art Therapists and Code of Professional Practice of the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Changes that were made to the AATA Ethics Document in 2013 are discussed. Models of how to think through and resolve the difficult ethical problems art therapists encounter during their professional lives are presented. A chapter discussing burnout and compassion fatigue—“costs of caring”-- provides an understanding of the responsibility that systems hold in supporting therapists and clients. Within each chapter, there are dilemma-laden vignettes intended to stimulate reflection and discussion. Most chapters include a series of questions pertaining to practical applications aimed at helping to review the material, formulate, and clarify positions on key issues. Also included are suggested artistic tasks intended to help the reader engage with topics in meta-cognitive, kinetic, visual, and sensory methods. Compelling illustrations throughout the text are provided as examples of creative responses to the artistic tasks. In addition, informational topics dealing with ethical violations, rights of artworks, marketing, advertising, and publicity are explored. The importance of multicultural approaches is expanded with the discussion that competence is a baseline for practice as an art therapist. Significant updates were made to the chapter that explores art therapy in the digital age. The appendices contain ethics documents of the British Association of Art Therapists for comparison. This unique book is designed for art therapy students, art therapists, expressive arts therapy professionals, and will be a useful and supplemental textbook for art therapy courses dealing with professional ethics and supervision, art therapy theory and practice.