The Art Therapist's Guide to Social Media


Book Description

The Art Therapist’s Guide to Social Media offers the art therapy community a guide that addresses content related to social media use, its growing influence, and the impact social networking has on the profession and work of art therapists. This book presents a framework of relevant theories, best practices, and examples to explore existing and emerging areas of social networking's power for art therapists as practitioners and artists. Divided into three sections that highlight the themes of connection, community, and creativity, chapters explore timely topics such as the professional use of social media, ethical considerations, potential benefits and challenges, and strategies to embrace the possibilities that social media can create for the field worldwide. Art therapists in training, art therapy educators and supervisors, and practicing art therapists will find content in this text helpful for their learning and professional practice.




Community Art Therapy


Book Description

This book provides a narrative exploration of community art therapy woven from its rich practice roots, theory, the multiple ways that it can be applied in practice, and through practitioner reflections. The applications of community art therapy are numerous, and this book provides knowledge to practitioners, guiding them in their own work and grounding their theoretical approaches. The community approaches presented in the text have been developed through careful research, strategy, and implementation. Community Art Therapy is for the benefit of art therapists, community artists and psychologists, and anyone interested in learning more about the stories of community art therapy.




Foundations of Art Therapy


Book Description

Foundations of Art Therapy: Theory and Applications is an essential and comprehensive introduction to the field of art therapy that blends relevant psychological and neuroscience research, theories, and concepts and infuses cultural diversity throughout each chapter. The text includes full color photos, informative charts, and case examples and is divided into four parts beginning with the basics of art therapy knowledge and concluding with professional practices in art therapy. The fundamentals of art therapy section includes coverage of art therapy founders, art materials, multicultural perspectives, intersections with neuroscience, and research methods. An overview and in-depth explorations of different theoretical approaches to the practice of art therapy are covered in the second part of the book. A bio-psycho-social approach integrates current research on art therapy with specific populations (children, mental health, older adults, and trauma). The book concludes with art therapy professional practices in group concepts, community-based art therapy, and developing a career in the field. Each chapter contains chapter objectives, practical applications, ethical considerations, reflection questions, experiential exercises, and a list of terms. The unique, practical, and interdisciplinary approach of this text provides a solid base for understanding the field of art therapy and is well suited for use in undergraduate art therapy courses. This book will appeal to those who want an introduction to the field’s theories, research, and practice and those seeking a comprehensive understanding on the foundations of art therapy. Full color photos, informative charts, and case examples Definitions, key details, and clear explanations of major concepts Evidence-based research and attention to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in each chapter Reader experiential activities and reflection questions to enhance deeper levels of processing Instructor resources that include: chapter outlines, experiential classroom activities and lecture enhancements, multiple choice and short answer questions for each chapter




IDENTITY AND ART THERAPY


Book Description

This book is an attempt to give art therapy identity the front and center position it deserves. Despite efforts toward clarity, there will nevertheless remain many contradictory notions, often paradoxically existing at the same time. This is the nature of identity and of art therapy’s identity. “Art therapy” is neither a form of artist nor a form of therapist, but rather a whole new field – a separate and special profession with core values and attributes of its own that must lead to a special and separate identity. Chapter 1 is the “Introduction” to this book. In Chapter 2, “Images of Identity,” the basic groundwork is laid describing definitions of personal and professional identity and discussion of the concept of “intersectionality.” Chapter 3, “Living in the Real World,” discusses some unique problems faced by art therapists as they strive to achieve personal and professional identity and credibility. Chapter 4, “Essays on Identity by Art Therapists,” contains 22 essays by prominent art therapists who were invited to contribute their ideas. These essays can be considered different “readings” of what identity is in the art therapy field. Chapter 5, “Identity Initiative, Steps Toward a New Definition: An Action Plan,” describes a two-year process, including all segments of the art therapy community, to achieve and promulgate a shared public professional identity. Chapter 6 underscores “Conclusions” to discover some baseline information about identity for students entering graduate art therapy programs. A brief questionnaire was given to three art therapy master’s program directors to conduct this survey with their entering students in the fall 2012. An important and essential discussion of the nuances of identity by the art therapy community is a significant intention of the book. Identity and Art Therapy is primarily written for art therapists–both experienced and novice. It is for people who teach now and for those thinking about entering the field in the future.




Art Therapy, Race and Culture


Book Description

The book is a stimulating and inspiring collection which explores the often contentious themes of race, racism and culture in relation to the experience of art therapy, in a constructive way. Contributors examine the impact of racial perceptions in their own experience, their clients' lives, and on the interaction of therapist and client.




Art in Action


Book Description

The field of expressive arts is closely tied to the work of therapeutic change. As well as being beneficial for the individual or small group, expressive arts therapy has the potential for a much wider impact, to inspire social action and bring about social change. The book's contributors explore the transformative power of the arts therapies in areas stricken by conflict, political unrest, poverty or natural disaster and discuss how and why expressive arts works. They look at the ways it can be used to engage community consciousness and improve social conditions whilst taking into account the issues that arise within different contexts and populations. Leading expressive arts therapy practitioners give inspiring accounts of their work, from using poetry as a tool in trauma intervention with Iraqi survivors of war and torture, to setting up storytelling workshops to aid the integration of Ethiopian Jewish immigrants in Israel. Offering visionary perspectives on the role of the arts in inspiring change at the community or social level, this is essential reading for students and practitioners of creative and expressive arts therapies, as well as psychotherapists, counsellors, artists and others working to effect social change.




Using Art Therapy with Diverse Populations


Book Description

Whether working in urban areas with high levels of cultural diversity, providing art therapy to 'unique' populations such as prisoners or asylums seekers, or introducing art therapy programs to parts of the world in which it is not yet established, it is essential that therapists understand the importance of practicing in a culturally sensitive manner. This comprehensive book considers how culture impacts the practice of art therapy in a variety of settings. With contributions from experienced art therapists who have worked in diverse environments, this book attempts to understand and highlight the specific cultural, subcultural and ethnic influences that inform art therapy treatment. It addresses variable factors including setting, population, environment and ability, and how they influence art therapy approaches. It also considers how cultural differences can impact physical art making through choices of color, symbol and metaphor. Each chapter provides a framework showing how art therapy techniques have been used in order to successfully work with distinct populations. This book will provide practitioners with ideas for how to adapt art therapy training and approaches to suit the setting and meet the needs of a vast range of populations. Full of informative case studies, this book will be invaluable reading for art therapists and students of art therapy.







Creating Community


Book Description

This thesis investigates the process involved with implementing an art project about community with three groups of ethnically diverse adolescents participating in art therapy at Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, a non-profit organization providing accessible outpatient mental health services in an urban environment impacted by poverty. The purpose of these art therapy groups is to provide emotional and peer support while exploring issues and experiences within their community. Group members used both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication to explore feelings associated with their individual experiences of community. The adolescents were encouraged and guided towards developing an idea for a collaborative art project. Included in this thesis is a review of relevant literature related to adolescence, community-based art and art therapy practice. Participant's stories and artwork, as well as a discussion of the difficulties and benefits of community-based art therapy groups with adolescents are shared. An exploration of my own feelings and experiences throughout this project, as an art therapy intern and group leader, are included along with suggestions for further work in community-based practice with adolescents.




Art Therapy in Response to Natural Disasters, Mass Violence, and Crises


Book Description

With contributions from a range of expert voices within the field, this book explores the use of art therapy as a response to traumatic events. Offering rare insight into ways in which art therapists have responded to recent crises, this is a unique resource for art therapists looking to coordinate interventions for large-scale disaster and resulting trauma. Chapters address a range of environmental and manmade disasters around the world, including hurricanes, typhoons, wildfires, mass shootings and forced migration, highlighting the impact of an art therapy approach in dealing with widespread trauma. Covering both community and individual cases, it provides an in-depth view into the challenges of working in these settings, including the effects on the therapist themselves, and offers practical information on how to coordinate, fund and maintain responses in these environments. The first book to focus on disaster response in art therapy, this will be an invaluable contribution to the field in an increasingly vital area.