By Aiala
What is Art Therapy? How does it work? Who is this for?
Below there
are some facts that you might want to know about this specialty, and some of
its main approaches.
The British Association of Art Therapists defines art therapy as “...A form of
psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication. It
is practiced by qualified, registered Art Therapists who work
with children, young people, adults and the elderly.[1] Clients
who can use art therapy may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or
diagnoses (...). Art therapy may be provided for groups, or for individuals,
depending on clients’ needs. It is not a recreational activity or an art
lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable. Clients do not need to have any
previous experience or expertise in art.”
The American Art Therapy Association defines
art therapy as:
"...The therapeutic use of art making,
within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or
challenges in living, and by
people who
seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art
products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others cope
with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities;
and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art." [2]
Definitions of art therapy vary due to
its origins in two fields: art and psychotherapy. It can focus on the
art-making process as therapeutic in and of itself ("art as therapy")
or it can be “art in therapy” (art psychotherapy).[3] The psychoanalytic
approach was the earliest form of art psychotherapy. This approach employs the
transference process between the therapist and the client who makes art. The
therapist interprets the client's symbolic self-expression as communicated in
the art and elicits interpretations from the client. Analysis of
transference is no longer always a component.
Current art therapy includes a
vast number of other approaches such as: Person-Centered, Cognitive, Behavior,
Gestalt, Narrative, Adlerian, Family (Systems) and more. The tenets of art
therapy involve humanism, creativity, reconciling emotional conflicts,
fostering self-awareness, and personal growth.[4]
Below there is a link to a cute video on Art Therapy created by the St. Louis School in Milan, Italy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1VoXK-GZbI#t=19
References:
- 1. http://baat.org/What_is_Art_Therapy.pdf, p.1
- 2. http://www.americanarttherapyassociation.org/aataaboutarttherapy.html
- 3. Edwards, D. (2004). Art therapy. London: Sage Publications, p.1
- 4. Wadeson, H., Durkin, J., & Perach, D. (1989). Advances in art therapy. New York: John Wiley & Sons
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