Art Therapy

Art Therapy is based on the belief that the creative process involved in making art often runs parallel with the healing process. In the context of a therapeutic alliance with an Art Therapist, art media - painting, drawing, photography, sculpting - employed as the primary mode of communication, can lead to enhanced self awareness, cognition, and emotional resilience.
History of Art Therapy
Margaret Naumburg (1890 - 1983) Margaret developed in the 1940's, the approach known as Dynamically Oriented Art Therapy. (US)
Adrian Hill (1895 - 1977) Author of Art Versus Illnes (Britian)
Edward Adamson (1911 - 1996) (Britian)
Philosophical Principles of Art Therapy
Influenced by the theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, art therapy rests on the premise that a person's inner life is largely constructed with symbols and images. For some people, the visual nature of their inner world can be very difficult to articulate in words. Being able to 'gound' these 'floating' dream-like images on paper or canvas can be a very effective means of expression, exploration and ultimately, integration. It is a very human phenomenon, this hankering to give physical form to the thoughts and emotions that might otherwise keep us hostage.
Art is one way of saying what needs to be said - and perhaps, in some instances, the only way.
Methodology
Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy and Art Therapists, having trained in both art and clinical therapy, are recognised as accredited mental health professionals. While listening and observing, the Art Therapist evaluates which materials and interventions are suited to assisting and supporting the individual find their creative self.
Contemporary Applications
Art Therapists work with children, adolescents, and adults - providing services to individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. They may work as part of a clinical team that includes physicians, psychologists, nurses, rehabilitation counsellors, social workers, and teachers. Together, they determine and implement a client's therapeutic, school, or mental health program. Art Therapists also work as primary therapists in private practice.
Art Therapy Schools
College for Educational and Clinical Art Therapy (CECAT)
Professional Associations in Australia
Australian and New Zealand Art Therapies Association
Australian Creative Arts Therapies Association
Melbourne Institute for Experiential and Creative Arts Therapy (MIECAT)
Books on Art Therapy
The Courage to Create - Rollo May (1975)
Back to Types of Therapy
At a glance
- Temenos Journal (26)
- Time (15)
- Friendship (4)
- Dreams (3)
- Authenticity and Play (1)
- Progress and Process (1)
- Bliss and Awareness (1)
- Poetry (3)
- Conversations (2)
- Reviews (10)
- Books (3)
- Films (8)
- Music (1)
- Library (64)
- Anxiety and Depression (5)
- Burnout and Balance (4)
- Career and Calling (2)
- Communication (1)
- Culture and Society (7)
- Education and Ethics (2)
- Emotions (5)
- Family and Parenting (15)
- Grief and Loss (4)
- Human Condition (9)
- Personality and Identity (3)
- Health and Wellbeing (1)
- Relationships (13)
- Trauma (4)
- Therapy (20)
- Professional Training (3)
- Conferences (1)
- Practitioners (1)
- Good Therapy News (2)
- Philosophical Enquiry (14)
- Forum Questions (174)
- July 2022 (1)
- November 2019 (1)
- September 2019 (1)
- June 2017 (1)
- May 2017 (2)
- September 2016 (1)
- August 2015 (1)
- July 2015 (1)
- November 2014 (1)
- October 2014 (2)
- June 2014 (2)
- May 2014 (1)
- April 2014 (2)
- January 2014 (1)
- November 2013 (3)
- October 2013 (1)
- September 2013 (2)
- August 2013 (5)
- June 2013 (17)
- April 2013 (1)
- August 2012 (1)
- June 2012 (1)
- January 2012 (2)
- November 2011 (1)
- November 2010 (1)
- June 2010 (1)
- May 2010 (1)
- February 2010 (1)
- January 2010 (1)
- February 2009 (4)
- June 2008 (1)
- May 2008 (1)
- March 2007 (1)
- December 2006 (2)
- September 2006 (1)
- July 2006 (3)
- May 2006 (1)
- March 2006 (2)
- February 2006 (1)
- November 2005 (2)
- October 2005 (2)
- September 2005 (2)
- August 2005 (10)
- July 2005 (3)
- May 2005 (3)
- April 2005 (1)
- March 2005 (4)
- February 2005 (1)
- January 2005 (3)
- December 2004 (2)
- November 2004 (6)
- September 2004 (1)
- July 2004 (2)