Integrative Art Therapy And Depression

Laying out a new integrative approach to the treatment of depression, this book looks at the biological, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of clinical art therapy. Skov presents the theoretical foundation for a Jungian approach to art therapy and depression together with its clinical methodology and framework, outlining a procedure for working with people with mild to moderate depression. Integrative art therapy in clinical practice is introduced alongside case studies from the author's research and practice to show how transformative processes operate in the field between the conscious and the unconscious part of the psyche. Finally the author lays out her research methodology and discusses the possible implications of the integrative art therapy approach. This revolutionary approach, which places equal importance on both art therapy and psychology in the treatment of depression, will be a valuable resource for all art therapists and students working with clients and patients who suffer from depression. Psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors and other mental health professionals will also find it of interest.

A new integrative approach combining art therapy and Jungian psychology to treat depression. The theoretical foundation, clinical methodology and procedure are detailed alongside case studies from the author's extensive research and practice. She also lays out her research methodology and discusses the implications of this clinical approach.

The genesis of art can be traced back to the early settlements of human race. An integral component of the development of ancient and modem civilizations, art in its various forms of tribal dances, tribal music and cave paintings played an important role in the evolution of traditions and rituals in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, India, China, Ancient Greece and Rome. Ideas can be communicated through art in its simplest form. People used art to express emotion and moods, responses and ideas, for relaxation and entertainments and as social medium reflecting and reacting to social stimuli. It can sometime function as a social medium to criticize the society. Arts incorporate visual arts which includes paintings, sculpture, print making, photography and other visual media and performing arts which includes music, theatre, film, dance and other performing arts. Art is also used as a language of therapy to sort out the inner conflicts of an individual. Art helps to understand the problems, which is difficult to communicate. And it has been found that it can be used to workout children's emotional problems. Thus a branch of Art therapy has emerged to deal with the emotional problems of children. Lately different forms of art, like dance, music, painting and drama are used to deal with the emotional problems and that is known as Integrative Art Therapy (lAT).

This book can be described as a clear, keeping it real and succint portrayal of the personal growth journey of an African American man seen through his eyes beginning with a recounting of real life experiences obtained while growing up in his ancestral home in Guyana. Readers then get to travel along on this interesting journey through his young adult and middle age years while sharing in his adventures and travels as an immigrant in Canada.

Arts Therapies in the Treatment of Depression is a comprehensive compilation of expert knowledge on arts therapies’ potential in successfully addressing depression. The book identifies ways of addressing the condition in therapy sessions, shares experience of tools and approaches which seem to work best and guides towards a conscious and confident evidence-based practice. Including contributions from international experts in the field of arts therapies, the book presents some of the most recent, high-profile and methodologically diverse research, whether in the form of clinical trials, surveys or case studies. The three sections of this volume correspond to particular life stages and explore major topics in arts therapies practice and the nature of depression in children, adults and in later life. Individual chapters within the three sections represent all four arts therapies disciplines. The book hopes to improve existing arts therapies practice and research, by encouraging researchers to use creativity in designing meaningful research projects and empowering practitioners to use evidence creatively for the benefit of their clients and the discipline. Arts Therapies in the Treatment of Depression is an essential resource for arts therapies researchers, practitioners and arts therapists in training. It should also be of interest to other health researchers and health professionals, particularly those who work with clients experiencing depression and in multidisciplinary teams.

This book is a new addition to the art therapy literature setting out an integrative approach to using theory and the arts, which places clients at the centre of practice and supports collaboration across the therapeutic journey. The structural framework described enables different theories, contemporary research, and best-practice guidelines to be used to inform therapy, allowing the practitioner to work fluidly and rigorously in response to their clients’ changing needs and therapeutic aims. Integrative arts psychotherapy brings therapeutic practice to life, as the use of the visual arts is enhanced by the possibilities offered for developing and deepening therapeutic work using sculpture/clay, drama/puppetry, poetry, sand play, music, and bodywork/movement. The work described in this book has grown from a British and European art therapy culture, community, and history – influenced by prominent American theorists. The book has been written for trainers, trainees, and practitioners of creative arts therapies, psychotherapy, and expressive arts therapies – nationally and worldwide. It may also be of interest to other professionals, or those in consultation with an art therapist, who want to understand what this type of art therapy can offer.

Adult Art Psychotherapy illuminates the range of ever-expanding nature of art therapy as it completes its first two decades of formal existence. The editors suggest that clinical art therapy is capable of adapting to different theories and methods of therapy and that it is equally facile in responding to the diverse problems, opportunities and changes in adult life.