Abstract

Including contributions from some of the leading art therapists in Britain, this important book addresses the key issues in the theory and practice of art therapy. The fundamental significance of the art in art therapy practice permeates the book, close attention being paid by several writers to the art-making process and the aesthetic responses of therapist and client. Other authors explore the tensions between art and therapy, images and speech, subjectivity and objectivity, arguing that the dynamic interplay between these elements is inherent to the practice of art therapy. The role of containment is another theme that is explored by contributors in a variety of ways to highlight the importance not only of the therapeutic containment of the client by the therapist, but also the containment of the therapist. The physical contexts of the session, within an art room and within the larger working environment, are identified as important arenas where conflict and tension is experienced and must be explored if art therapy is to continue to develop.
One of the principal focal points is the place of art in art therapy and of the responses to that art by both clients and other therapists. Contributors draw on their own experiences as art therapists in attempts to identify what contributes to successful practice and how therapists can overcome difficulties or apparent failures in their work. A range of factors affecting art therapy practice is explored, including the physical context of art therapy sessions, the place of the notion of containment in therapy, and the interplay of the different elements - art, speech, subjectivity, objectivity - that are part of contemporary practice.
Arts Research Digest

...this book offers many new contributions to the field of art therapy including practical applications, theory building and training along with research suggestions. This superb volume represents contemporary developments in art therapy by authors who are among the major contributors to the development of art therapy and whose work influences art5 therapy practice around the globe.

'I recommend not only that all art therapists reads this book, also that the Changing Shape of Art Therapy: New Developments in Theory and Practice is added to all art therapy library collections. I also suggest that individual chapters can be utilized in art therapy training and teaching especially when approaching specific topics with a more thorough perspective.

'In this review I have presented my observations and reactions to reading this book in hopes of encouraging all to read this exquisite contribution to the art therapy literature. In addition, the separate chapter in the book are vital to advanced training for art therapists'.