"Temple Doors"
Art Therapy Resources
This page is an eclectic collection of resources about the use of art therapy and visual arts for health, wellness, psychotherapy, community development, service to others, and social transformation.
Visit the International Art Therapy Organization for art therapy information on a variety of topics and connect with other students and professionals around the world; join the Art Therapy Alliance on LinkedIn and join the conversations on medical art therapy, research, digital media, independent practice, and more; and subscribe to Art Therapy News @ Twitter for daily news on the field of art therapy.
What is Art Therapy?
From Art Therapy Sourcebook: Although art therapists have generated many specific definitions of art therapy, most of them fall into one of two general categories. The first involves a belief in the inherent healing power of the creative process of art making. This view embraces the idea that the process of making art is therapeutic; this process is sometimes referred to as art as therapy. Art making is seen as an opportunity to express oneself imaginatively, authentically, and spontaneously, an experience that, over time, can lead to personal fulfillment, emotional reparation, and transformation.
The second definition of art therapy is based on the idea that art is a means of symbolic communication. This approach, often referred to as art psychotherapy, emphasizes the products--drawings, paintings, and other art expressions--as helpful in communicating issues, emotions, and conflicts. The art image becomes significant in enhancing verbal exchange between the person and the therapist and in achieving insight; resolving conflicts; solving problems; and formulating new perceptions that in turn lead to positive changes, growth, and healing. In reality, art as therapy and art psychotherapy are used together in varying degrees. In other words, both the idea that art making can be a healing process and that art products communicate information relevant to therapy are important.
