This comprehensive book brings together the voices of international art therapists with diverse backgrounds and experiences and asks them to consider the role of postmodernism in their understanding of art therapy. These practitioners share a common postmodern belief that art is a unique way of expressing and mediating the human condition and that art therapy should not be a diagnostic tool but a collaborative healing process between the therapist and the client. Drawing on psychotherapy, aesthetics and philosophy, the contributors present current practice, research and case studies and show the many directions and possibilities of postmodern art therapy. This book is an important addition to art therapy theory and will be a crucial text for all art therapy students, academics, researchers and practitioners.

With detailed case studies throughout and methods of inquiry that draw on psychotherapy, aesthetics and philosophy, this book offers an exploration of art therapy from a postmodernist perspective in clinical practice, on a community and global level, in research, and in epistemology.

Art therapy has been slow to embrace the critical and theoretical viewpoints, including feminism, that have made a huge impact on other areas of the humanities and social sciences. Art therapists are ideally situated, however, to respond to the growing awareness of how language, media and images influence gender inequality and the pressures that can lead to poor mental health, and diminished well being, among women. The contributors explore the ways in which gender issues can be addressed through art therapy. By being sensitive to the socio-cultural dimensions of women's lives, therapists can become more receptive to the needs of their female clients. The case studies included here illustrate how issues of class, ethnicity and gender introduce a social element into what is sometimes described as a purely personal, cathartic process. By discussing empowerment, sexuality, pregnancy and childbirth, this volume provides a comprehensive survey of women's issues within art therapy and will prompt a reevaluation of current training and practice in the field.

The Postmodern Arts provides essential material and invaluable guidance for students of modern literature and culture.

Art therapists work with a range of distinct philosophical and theoretical underpinnings, but as yet there has been no single book to offer an overview of these theories. Art Therapy Theories provides an introductory, non-partisan overview of art therapy theories outlining the following therapy approaches: Cognitive Behavioural Art Therapy Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Psychoanalytical (Freudian) Art Therapy Analytical (Jungian) Art Therapy Gestalt Art Therapy Person-Centred or ‘Rogerian’ Art Therapy Mindfulness Art Therapy Integrative Art Therapy (the Group-Interactive Model) Feminist Art Therapy Art Therapy as Social Action Art Therapy as a Research Tool Each chapter provides a non-judgemental, yet analytical, synopsis of each approach. No detailed knowledge is necessary to understand the different approaches, as the book explains them in clear and concise English. Difficult terms and concepts are explained as they arise, and a glossary of terms is also provided. Art Therapy Theories is aimed at trainee art therapists who need to demonstrate that they have a grasp of theory, as well as a sense of how the theory can translate into practice. It will also appeal to seasoned therapists, counsellors and to a wide range of professionals in the mental health field.

The Introductory Guide to Art Therapy provides a comprehensive and accessible text for art therapy trainees. Susan Hogan and Annette M. Coulter here use their combined clinical experience to present theories, philosophies and methods of working clearly and effectively. The authors cover multiple aspects of art therapy in this overview of practice, from working with children, couples, families and offenders to the role of supervision and the effective use of space. The book addresses work with diverse groups and includes a glossary of key terms, ensuring that complex terminology and theories are clear and easy to follow. Professional and ethical issues are explored from an international perspective and careful attention is paid to the explanation and definition of key terms and concepts. Accessibly written and free from jargon, Hogan and Coulter provide a detailed overview of the benefits and possibilities of art therapy. This book will be an indispensable introductory guide for prospective students, art therapy trainees, teachers, would-be teachers and therapy practitioners. The text will also be of interest to counsellors and other allied health professionals who are interested in the use of visual methods.

Arts Therapies and Gender Issues offers international perspectives on gender in arts therapies research and demonstrates understandings of gender and arts therapies in a variety of global contexts. Analysing current innovations and approaches in the arts therapies, it discusses issues of cultural identity, which intersect with sex, gender norms, stereotypes and sexual identity. The book includes unique and detailed case studies such as the emerging discipline of creative writing for therapeutic purposes, re-enactment phototherapy, performative practice and virtual reality. Bringing together leading researchers, it demonstrates clinical applications and shares ideas about best practice. Incorporating art, drama, dance and music therapy, this book will be of great interest to academics and researchers in the fields of arts therapies, psychology, medicine, psychotherapy, health and education. It will also appeal to practitioners and teachers of art, dance-movement, drama and music therapy.