Cover of The Handbook of Art Therapy

The Handbook of Art Therapy

By: CAROLINE. DALLEY CASE (TESSA. REDDICK, DEAN.), Tessa Dalley, Dean Reddick

Publisher: Routledge
Published: 2022-08-19
Language: Unknown
Format: BOOK
Pages: 360
ISBN: 9781032055084

About This Book

The Handbook of Art Therapy has become the standard introductory text into the theory and practice of art therapy in a variety of settings. The comprehensive book concentrates on the work of art therapists and the way that art and therapy can combine in a treatment setting to promote insight and change. In this fourth edition, readers will gain both a historical overview of art therapy and insight into contemporary settings in which art therapists work, with a new chapter on the use of new technology and working online. The authors are highly experienced in the teaching, supervision and clinical practice of art therapy. Using first-hand accounts from therapists and patients, they look particularly at the role of the art work in the art process and setting in which it takes place. Chapters explore the theoretical background from which art therapy has developed and the implications for practice including the influence of art and psychoanalysis, creativity, aesthetics and symbolism and the impact of different schools of psychoanalytic theory. Also featured is an extensive bibliography, encompassing a comprehensive coverage of the current literature on art therapy and related subjects. Covering basic theory and practice for clinicians and students at all levels of training, this book remains a key text for art therapists, counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists and students at all levels, as well as professionals working in other arts therapies.

AI Overview

"The Handbook of Art Therapy" by Caroline Case, Tessa Dalley, and Dean Reddick is a comprehensive and authoritative text in the field of art therapy. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

  1. Introduction to Art Therapy: The book serves as a standard introductory text for both theory and practice of art therapy in various settings.
  2. Historical Overview: It provides a historical context of art therapy, tracing its development and evolution over time.
  3. Contemporary Practice: The fourth edition includes insights into contemporary settings where art therapists work, highlighting the integration of art and therapy in modern treatment environments.
  4. Technological Integration: A new chapter focuses on the use of new technology and working online, reflecting the evolving nature of the field.
  5. Theoretical Background: The book explores the theoretical foundations of art therapy, including the influence of art and psychoanalysis, creativity, aesthetics, and symbolism.
  6. Psychoanalytic Theories: It examines the impact of different schools of psychoanalytic theory on the practice of art therapy.
  7. Clinical Practice: The authors provide first-hand accounts from therapists and patients, emphasizing the role of art work in the therapeutic process and the settings in which it takes place.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to cover both basic theory and practical applications of art therapy. It is designed for clinicians and students at all levels of training, making it a key resource for art therapists, counselors, psychotherapists, psychologists, and professionals in other arts therapies. The comprehensive coverage includes an extensive bibliography that encompasses current literature on art therapy and related subjects.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book's reputation as a standard introductory text and its comprehensive coverage suggest it has been well-received by professionals and students in the field. The inclusion of new chapters on technological integration and online work indicates that the authors are committed to keeping the book relevant and up-to-date with contemporary practices.

Authors' Expertise

The authors are highly experienced in teaching, supervision, and clinical practice of art therapy. Their expertise is reflected in the detailed and practical insights provided throughout the book, making it a trusted resource for both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Edition Details

The fourth edition of "The Handbook of Art Therapy" is the latest iteration of this influential text, ensuring that readers gain both historical and contemporary perspectives on the field of art therapy.