The Art Of Therapy

THE ART OF THERAPY Offers a practical approach to the therapist’s task, from the perspective of a 35-year veteran of private practice. This book debunks some of the most traditional rituals and hidebound conventions of the consulting-room, for example the myth of confidentiality, the master-slave relationship of therapist to client, and the tendency of therapy to continue until the client runs out of money to pay for it. New techniques and intervention strategies are presented, drawn from the Mental Research Institute’s international view of problem causation and solution-oriented methods of change. Psychotherapy is an art. Good therapy is good art. Great therapy is everlasting art, like the Mona Lisa.

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.

First published in 1986. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

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.

Process difficult thoughts and feelings with art therapy Essential Art Therapy Exercises shows you how creating art can help ease depression, anxiety, PTSD, and life's other challenges. Art therapy activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting will help you better understand your state of mind in order to gain control over your emotions and improve your self-esteem. From drawing a representation of your favorite song, to writing affirmations and taking photos to match, these therapeutic exercises will help you overcome the mindsets that are holding you back and lead you toward inner peace. Some take only five minutes, others up to an hour, but all of them explore a range of artistic mediums, so you can choose exactly what works for you. Essential Art Therapy Exercises offers: The art of getting better--These sophisticated exercises are a springboard for insight, self-expression, mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion. Insights and questions--Every activity describes its benefits and offers thoughtful prompts to help you get the most out of each experience. No experience required--You don't need to be an artist to use art therapy. It's about the experience of creating--without worry or judgement. Let art therapy help you paint, draw, and write your way to a happier frame of mind.

What is art therapy? How can art and therapy combine to help individuals understand aspects of their inner life? This new edition of The Handbook of Art Therapy is thoroughly revised and updated and includes new sections on neurobiological research, and a current review of literature and contemporary practice. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of art therapy in a variety of different settings. Caroline Case and Tessa Dalley draw on their experience of teaching and practising art therapy, concentrating on what art psychotherapists actually do, where they practice, and how and why art therapy is effective. First-hand accounts of the experience of art therapy from both therapists and clients are used throughout, enriching the discussion of subjects including: the art therapy room art and psychoanalysis art therapy and creativity working with groups in art therapy art therapy with individual patients. This straight-forward and highly practical Handbook will be invaluable not only as an introduction to the profession but also as a reference for students of art psychotherapy both during and after their training.

Art as Therapy introduces the theory and practice of art therapy in a concise, accessible and informative way. Tessa Dalley's introduction gives an overview of basic issues, research and development. Subsequent chapters, written by specialists, are chosen to demonstrate the ways in which art therapy can be applied to different client groups, in a variety of clinical settings. These include children, adolescents suffering from anorexia nervosa, the mentally handicapped, the elderly and terminally ill, those in psychiatric hospitals and prison inmates. Illustrated case studies provide visual explanations for the art therapy processes and the final chapter discusses training for the profession. Art as Therapy has been welcomed by art therapists, social workers, psychologists, nurses and teachers.

Drawing on case material from a variety of situations, the book describes medical research on medical art therapy with children, and practical approaches to using art activities with them. The text looks at children with burns, HIV, asthma and cancer.