Art Therapy and Psychology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Practitioners

by Robert Gray

Overview

Taking an interdisciplinary approach, Robert Gray offers a thorough and well-rounded clinical guide to exploring the depth of the unconscious through art in psychotherapy. He emphasises the clinical relevance of art therapy and critically highlights ideas around evidence-based practice and the link to cognitive behavioural therapy. Gray suggests specific ways of engaging with clients and their images, such as uncovering life scripts, changing neural pathways through Creative Mind Ordering, and addressing traumatic experiences through the Jungian Self- Box. He shows how artists and psychotherapists can make a transformational difference by combining ‘art as therapy’ and ‘art in therapy’ with a scientific approach and a spiritual awareness. He argues a clear framework that bridges the unmeasurable and spontaneous part of psychotherapy through art, along with the work with the unconscious and the clarity of a scientific method, can help facilitate long term change.

Art Therapy and Psychology is hands-on and rich with supportive study tools and numerous case studies with which the reader can relate. This book is essential reading for art therapists in training and in practice, psychologists and mental health professionals looking to establish or grow their expertise.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780815355915
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/11/2019
Pages:	166
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Robert Gray is an art therapy lecturer from Germany, with degrees in art therapy, psychology and theology. He is Director of the College for Educational and Clinical Art Therapy, Australia. As an Australian psychologist, he leads the field in art therapy with his unique integration of psychological techniques and spiritual practices.

Table of Contents

Introduction. Chapter 1: Foundations; Chapter 2: Positive Art Therapy; Chapter 3: Representational Images, Projective Drawings and the House-Tree-Person (HTP) Task; Chapter 4: Life Script - Create an Alternative Script; Chapter 5: Goals - Overcome Obstacles; Chapter 6: Abstract Art and the Self Picture Mind Map; Chapter 7: Self-Box - Become Authentic and Integrate Traumatic Memories; Chapter 8: Creative Mind Ordering (CMO) - Change Neutral Pathways; Chapter 9: Advancing Art Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT); Chapter 10: Group Art Therapy; Pseudonyms; Acknowledgements.

Editorial Reviews

"This book is for art therapists and mental health professionals who would like to expand their repertoire of art interventions to connect with and aid in the healing process of individuals with various challenges. Like the title suggests, numerous art therapy exercises are delineated which explore Gray’s ideas through in-depth case studies, including verbal exchanges between patient and therapist. Gray goes beyond a set of interventions and explores various theories that inform his practice: psychoanalysis, positive psychology, neurobiological science, and evidence-based theories such as CBT. This practice-oriented book is a constructive addition to the art therapist’s tool box."

Marcia L. Rosal, PhD, ATR-BC, HLM. Professor Emerita, Florida State University, USA

From the Publisher