Foundations of Art Therapy

Foundations of Art Therapy: Theory and Applications is an essential and comprehensive introduction to the field of art therapy that blends relevant psychological and neuroscience research, theories, and concepts and infuses cultural diversity throughout each chapter. The text includes full color photos, informative charts, and case examples and is divided into four parts beginning with the basics of art therapy knowledge and concluding with professional practices in art therapy.

The fundamentals of art therapy section includes coverage of art therapy founders, art materials, multicultural perspectives, intersections with neuroscience, and research methods. An overview and in-depth explorations of different theoretical approaches to the practice of art therapy are covered in the second part of the book. A bio-psycho-social approach integrates current research on art therapy with specific populations (children, mental health, older adults, and trauma). The book concludes with art therapy professional practices in group concepts, community-based art therapy, and developing a career in the field. Each chapter contains chapter objectives, practical applications, ethical considerations, reflection questions, experiential exercises, and a list of terms.

The unique, practical, and interdisciplinary approach of this text provides a solid base for understanding the field of art therapy and is well suited for use in undergraduate art therapy courses. This book will appeal to those who want an introduction to the field’s theories, research, and practice and those seeking a comprehensive understanding on the foundations of art therapy.

Instructor Resource Link: https://educate-elsevier-com.ucc.idm.oclc.org/9780128243084
Companion Material Link: https://www-elsevier-com.ucc.idm.oclc.org/books-and-journals/book-companion/9780128243084

"Meera Rastogi, Rachel Feldwisch, Michelle Pate and Joseph Scarce have compiled an excellent text suited for undergraduate art therapy studies. The breadth of book topics, spanning from art therapy history to contemporary influences on art therapy research and practices, provides teachers and students with a comprehensive overview of the field and makes teaching and learning foundational knowledge accessible. I wish I had a text like this when I began teaching undergraduate art therapy students many years ago!"— Barbara Parker-Bell, Psy.D., ATR-BC, Director of Art Therapy, FSU Art Therapy Programs

"I enthusiastically endorse the "Foundations of Art Therapy: Theory and Applications"book for providing the most historically accurate, inclusive, and comprehensive overview of the profession that has been published to date. This book contains an impressive breadth and depth of detailed and integrated information, including full color photos, informative charts, and case examples about the field of art therapy. The book is masterfully written in clear and concise language to appeal to a diverse readership by a wide range of credentialed art therapy authors and editors. "Foundations of Art Therapy: Theory and Applications,"would make an excellent introduction to art therapy text book and resource for undergraduate studies and for practitioners in related mental health professions."— Wayne Ramirez, MFA, MS, ATR-R, Founding President of the Wisconsin Art Therapy Association (first Art Therapy Association established and incorporated in the USA).

"This introduction to the field of art therapy, with chapters written by professionals teaching in undergraduate programs, is a most welcome addition to the literature. It is especially timely because it includes information about individuals, approaches, and activities that have been insufficiently recognized, and are highly relevant for 21st century practice of the discipline."— Judith A. Rubin, PhD, ATR-BC, HLM, Founder, Expressive Media Film Library

"The authors are obviously well informed and familiar with the subjects in the chapters that they write. I love the outside resources they provide for those who want to dive into a specific topic as well as case study examples. One thing that may be nice in the future might be like an audio version that can be used alongside the text."— Undergraduate Student, Temple University

"I think the book works well because it has a lot of diagrams and pictures that help explain the key concepts mentioned in the book."— Undergraduate Student, Temple University