Date of Award
2016
Document Type
Research Paper
First Advisor
David Sloan
Abstract
Varying forms of therapy have begun to emerge as viable options alternate to traditional psychotherapy. Amongst these options is Art Therapy. The practice of art therapy emcompasses the belief that art can be a vehicle for mental and emotional enhancement. Through the creative process using differing art media and practice, art therapy has provided a psychotherapeutic experience benefiting many. Art therapy is the product of both historical and social changes and development throughout the United States in the early nineteen hundreds, and more specifically the mental health sciences field. The connection between art and psychology was sparked, advancd, and established through the works of many art therapy pioneers. After decades of work the field is not only offering prostgraduate education opportunities, but promising careers and futures to aspiring art therapists interested in partaking in the expansion of art therapy's future. Currently the lack of empirical evidence for this uniquely abstract and individual based practice is calling upon many art therapists to continue to develop their methods of practice, and most recently, assessment.
Recommended Citation
Dominguez, J. (2016). Expressive Therapies: What is Art Therapy, and How Can it be Applied in Pracitce?. Retrieved from https://poetcommons.whittier.edu/scholars/290