A Guide to Art Therapy Materials, Methods, and Applications

Book excerpt: Written by a well-respected author and practitioner in the field of art therapy, A Guide to Art Therapy Materials, Methods, and Applications is an innovative, comprehensive text that guides readers in how to use basic to advanced art materials and methods in a wide range of clinical settings. Through the lens of both developmental stages and assessment, the book offers practical, step-by-step instructions to incorporate these materials and methods into therapeutic work with clients of all ages and populations. In addition to such classic tools as drawing, paints, pastels, and clay, coverage of materials and special topics extends beyond the existing literature to include glass, knitting, quilting, wood burning, felting, digital applications, phototherapy, byproducts, and more. Unlike previous guides, this book specifies population benefits and contraindications for each material and technique. This research-based guide for using art materials in a safe and effective manner will be a welcome resource for students, seasoned art therapists, and mental health counselors.