As the world changes rapidly, there exists a challenge to develop new conceptualizations, paradigms, definitions and strategies for surviving in an intensely competitive global community. In response to these changes, helping professionals must expand their knowledge of therapeutic approaches and re-evaluate their philosophies and objectives in order to interact effectively with diverse populations. Enabling therapists and educators an opportunity to embrace two modalities at once, this text applies a combined approach to individual, family and group counselling situations. The authors contend that the use of artistic expression as an element of the counselling prescription transcends age, race, culture and gender in its effectiveness. Hence, art therapy, blended with and enhanced by traditional psychotherapy, lends itself naturally to the multifaceted clientele of the 21st century. Presented first in this resource is a theoretical framework for art therapy and psychotherapy, and a thorough review of the existing literature. The authors then discuss integration of theory into practice through case studies complete with original client artwork.
The final chapters focus on other important issues, including ethical and legal considerations, multicultural concerns, career development, and further implications for the field.