A Theory-Based Approach to Art Therapy: Implications for Teaching, Research and Practice

Art therapy literature is often based either on illustrative case studies focusing on a specific setting, theory, or population, or on a more general overview. Although this practice grounded fundamental approach is invaluable, little attention has been given to theory and research. This book provides a theory-based approach to research, teaching, and practicing art therapy, discussing how the different respective theoretical orientations of psychology and social studies are interpreted and implemented by art therapy.

Ephrat Huss provides an integrative perspective that anchors methodology within a rigorous theoretical background. Each chapter outlines the central concepts of a basic psychological, social, or arts-based theory and its interpretation from an art therapy perspective, focusing on the respective and shifting roles of art, client, and therapist/social practitioner, as well as on implications for the setting, therapy and client evaluation, and supervision. A Theory-based Approach to Art Therapy draws on the latest research in the field and will be a valuable text for art therapy theorists and researchers, as well as practicing arts therapists searching for new theoretical perspectives and methods.