ACT Art Therapy

Book excerpt: There is nothing prescriptive about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or Art Therapy. Both involve the client and the therapist cultivating creativity and psychological flexibility by letting go of limited, constricted, or habitual ways of thinking and being. This leads us to think, create, respond, and behave in ways of our choosing, bringing richness and renewed meaning to our lives. Through this work you will be able to apply ACT-informed art therapy to your practice. Art activities both illustrate the concepts and exist as stand-alone interventions to heighten creative potential and mindful attention to the present moment. ACT is effective when treating psychological difficulties such as depression, anxiety, OCD and psychosis. Readers will develop a meaningful context for understanding how ACT and art therapy align to creatively achieve positive outcomes for you and your clients.