Fundamentals of Art Therapy - Softcover

McNiff Shaun

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0398062803 ISBN 13: 9780398062804

Publisher: Charles C Thomas Pub Ltd, 1988

Synopsis

Written in dialogue format, Fundamentals of Art Therapy enables readers to actually experience the art therapy process. Rather than presenting fragments of case materials, the book focuses on in-depth experiences of art therapy. The first and largest section of the book responds to questions raised by an art therapist in training. This includes: discussions about materials, structure, talking in art therapy, interpretation, archetypal imagery in children's art, art objects as manifestations of soul, art and dreaming, and a timely discussion of eros and image. Art therapy's ability to serve as a primary and depth-oriented psychotherapy is shown in the second section of the book which presents the art and dream images of a therapist in training. The third and final section then explores the relationship of the therapist's personal artistic expression to psychotherapeutic practice. These chapters are integrated by an extended inquiry into the process of interpretation in art therapy. The author maintains that interpretation is not only fundamental to art therapy but that therapy is itself a process of interpretation. He demonstrates how art can be interpreted in ways which deepen and illuminate experience. This book is not only designed for professional art therapist, educators, counselors and social workers, but for many others within the helping professions.

About this edition

• Publisher: Charles C Thomas Pub Ltd
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0398062803
• ISBN 13: 9780398062804
• Binding: Paperback