Art Psychotherapy

Arguing that the profession of art therapy has its roots in the studio environment, Catherine Moon proposes that it is now time to reclaim these roots, and make art once again central to art therapy. She suggests that there has been a tendency for art therapy not merely to interact with and be enriched by other perspectives - psychological, social, anthropological and transpersonal - but to be subsumed by them. For this reason she makes a clear distinction between using art in one's practice of therapy, and working from an art-based model. This book presents a model of art therapy where the products and processes of art constitute the core of the model, rather than serving as the impetus for adaptations of other theories of counselling or therapy. It addresses how an arts-based approach can inform the therapist in all aspects of practice, from the conception of the work and the attempt to understand client needs to interacting with clients and communicating with others about the profession of art therapy. Integrated into the book are stories about the work of art therapists, art therapy students and those who seek help in art therapy, presenting the theory behind studio art therapy and bringing it to life. Moon believes that the arts have something unique to offer to the therapeutic process which distinguish the arts therapies from other therapeutic professions. This book is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the possibilities inherent in the therapeutic use of the arts.

A growing number of art therapists are also trained in group analytic psychotherapy. This book explores the new theories and models for practice arising from the merging of these two disciplines. Contributors ask whether a model can be applied universally to art therapy group work with diverse client groups. They present in-depth case studies looking at work with the following:- * children * drug and alcohol abusers * forensic patients * patients on acute psychiatric wards * the cognitively-impaired elderly * institutionalised patients moving into the community A common theme which emerges is that the physical use of art materials and the space of the art room offer a possibility for communication of feelings which is not possible in purely verbal groups. This allows clients who would not normally be considered for group therapy to benefit from a psychodynamic group process.

This book focuses on somatic art therapy for treating acute or chronic pain, especially resulting from physical and/or psychological trauma. It discusses the role of the psyche in physical healing and encourages combining of traditional medicine and holistic perspectives in treatment. Translated from the French text, this volume provides case studies and examples from the author’s art psychotherapy practice of 40 years, including the four-quadrants method. Chapters review the current treatments for chronic pain and PTSD and focus on art therapeutic methods to treat those conditions, such as art therapy protocols for PTSD. The book exposes the underlying rational of somatic art therapy, covering art therapy effectiveness, Levine’s somatic dissociation, van der Kolk’s somatic memory, and Scaer’s procedural memory concepts. Also featured are chapter contributions from art therapists Sophie Boudrias, Mylène Piché, and Dr. Patcharin Sughondhabirom. By providing a unique, clear and concise synthesis of available art therapy methods this text will appeal both to the general and professional public, including professional art therapists, psychotherapists, helping relation professionals, and medical practitioners.

Parent-Child Art Psychotherapy presents a working model of ways to incorporate parents into a child’s art therapy sessions, drawing on the relational-psychoanalytic notion of mentalization in the treatment of difficulties within childhood relationships. The model is introduced by clearly explaining the theory, the setting, the role of the therapist, and the work with the parents. In addition, the book offers a full section dedicated to practical applications of the model, replete with illustrative case studies and detailed therapeutic art-based interventions covering leadership, movement, collaborative and solitary work, and parent-child exercises. Intended for art therapists, students, parent-child psychotherapists, and other therapists interested in expanding their knowledge in the field, Regev and Snir provide a definition and conceptualization of a short-term treatment model with the potential to have comprehensive effects leading to positive change.

Art, Psychotherapy and Psychosis reveals the unique role of art therapy in the treatment of psychosis. Illustrating their contributions with clinical material and artwork created by clients, experienced practitioners describe their work in a variety of settings. Writing from different theoretical standpoints they reflect the current creative diversity within the profession and its links with psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, analytical psychology and psychiatry. In part I specific issues involved in working with psychosis are explored. These include discussion of the therapeutic relationship, the process of symbolisation, the nature and meaning of art made by psychotic patients and the interplay between words and pictures. Part II recounts the history of art therapy and psychosis, tracing its origins in art, to its present-day role as a respected treatment in psychiatric, community and therapeutic settings. Art, Psychotherapy and Psychosis extends the existing theory, develops analytical approaches in art psychotherapy and offers innovative perspectives for students and practitioners on the treatment of borderline states as well as psychosis.

Adolescent Art Therapy is an attempt to delineate the issues and techniques that are particular to the practice of art psychotherapy with an adolescent population. Adolescent Art Therapy provides a developmentally oriented rationale for the use of art psychotherapy with the adolescent patient.

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.

First Published in 1998. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.