Art as Therapy An Introduction to the Use of Art as a Therapeutic Technique

Art as Therapy introduces the theory and practice of art therapy in a concise, accessible and informative way. Tessa Dalley's introduction gives an overview of basic issues, research and development. Subsequent chapters, written by specialists, are chosen to demonstrate the ways in which art therapy can be applied to different client groups, in a variety of clinical settings. These include children, adolescents suffering from anorexia nervosa, the mentally handicapped, the elderly and terminally ill, those in psychiatric hospitals and prison inmates. Illustrated case studies provide visual explanations for the art therapy processes and the final chapter discusses training for the profession. Art as Therapy has been welcomed by art therapists, social workers, psychologists, nurses and teachers.

Foreword. Introduction. A Consideration of the similarities and differences between art teaching and art therapy. Art, Psychotherapy and symbol systems. Art therapy as a form of psychotherapy. Alternative models for describing the development of children's graphic work: some implications for art therapy. The child and art therapy: a psychodynamic viewpoint. A Jungian approach to art therapy based in a residential setting. The use of art therapy in the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Art therapy for people who are mentally handicapped. Art therapy with the elderly and the terminally ill. Art therapy in prisons. Art games and group structures. Art therapy with long stay residents of psychiatric hospitals. Training in art therapy. Name index. Subject Index.

Tessa Dalley is a Senior Art Therapist in the Child and Family Department, Parkside CLinic, London. She also supervises other practising art therapists, lectures in art therapy at Goldsmiths' College and works in private practice. Since the publication of Art as Therapy, she has published further books on art therapy.