Essentials of Art Therapy Education and Practice

Book excerpt: This expanded new edition reflects the author's efforts to explore the crucial components of the education of the creative arts therapist. The text reflects significant developments in the profession of art therapy, important modifications in the educational standards of the American Art Therapy Association, and profound changes in health care. The book is an expression of the author's belief that the most essential element of art therapy is art as the core of the profession. It is art making that undergirds the profession and is also the key element that art therapists bring to the client-therapist and educator-student relationships. Central, too, to the author's approach is the manner in which mentor and beginning art therapist come together in their efforts to learn and grow. The concern for authentic engagement in the training relationship enhances the beginner's ability to use the self to help clients learn to use art and artistic expression to identify and integrate new insights in their lives. Topics presented include The Image, Making Art, Beginner's Chaos, Journey Metaphor in Education, Mentor/Supervisor, The Art Experience, Core Curriculum, Practical Experience, Science and Soul in the Clinical Setting, The Work of Art Therapy, The Young Student, Gifts of the Male and Female Student, Role of Philosophy, Therapy and Holidays, Metaverbal Therapy, Role of Metaphor, Role of Love, Role of Assessment, and Role of Work. The book is ultimately concerned with the use of art and the artistic relationship to promote human growth. The author's deep understanding of both art and existentialism makes this book a high point in the ever-evolving fields of existential psychotherapy and art therapy.