Studio Art Therapy: Cultivating the Artist Identity in the Art Therapist

by Catherine Hyland Moon

Arguing that the profession of art therapy has its roots in the studio environment, Catherine Moon proposes that it is now time to reclaim these roots, and make art once again central to art therapy. She suggests that there has been a tendency for art therapy not merely to interact with and be enriched by other perspectives - psychological, social, anthropological and transpersonal - but to be subsumed by them. For this reason she makes a clear distinction between using art in one's practice of therapy, and working from an art-based model. This book presents a model of art therapy where the products and processes of art constitute the core of the model, rather than serving as the impetus for adaptations of other theories of counselling or therapy. It addresses how an arts-based approach can inform the therapist in all aspects of practice, from the conception of the work and the attempt to understand client needs to interacting with clients and communicating with others about the profession of art therapy.

Integrated into the book are stories about the work of art therapists, art therapy students and those who seek help in art therapy, presenting the theory behind studio art therapy and bringing it to life. Moon believes that the arts have something unique to offer to the therapeutic process which distinguish the arts therapies from other therapeutic professions. This book is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the possibilities inherent in the therapeutic use of the arts.

Genres: Psychology, School, Nonfiction

340 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2001

Reviews

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for those who are practicing art and considering a parallel occupation as an art therapist. I really enjoyed the author's insightful and in-depth points on being fully engaged in the art making process as well as relating to people, their vision, story and their artwork. The author approaches therapy from artistic, creative and humane sides rather than clinical. She gives a lot of examples on how to create space and atmosphere to make her clients to be fully engaged in the art process. The books mostly talks about art therapy however it offers a lot of insights on creativity, art process for the practicing artists, and poetry in life in general.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Also good shit

[Colleen Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stresses the importance of the "use of self" in all art therapists through their participation in the studio process. Provides foundations for studio-based art therapy, as opposed to clinical art therapy, which is more often used with groups.

Another book that I utilize often when facilitating therapeutic art groups.