As the emotional components of physical illnesses become more recognised, there is a renewed interest in the potential of art therapy to help patients come to terms with injury, pain and terminal and life-long conditions. A wide range of experienced art therapists describe their work and its benefits to a variety of groups including those with cancer, debilitating conditions such as myalgic encephalopathy (M.E.) and ulcerative colitis. Physical conditions in combination with other factors such as homelessness or learning disabilities, and children with life-long and chronic conditions are also covered. The book includes discussion of spiritual and philosophical issues when mortality is faced, life change and adjustment issues, practical considerations and which models of practice art therapists find most helpful with various groups. This will be essential reading for arts therapists and students, as well as for professionals with an interest in psychological issues and wellbeing for patients with physical illness or long term conditions, such as psychotherapists and counsellors, complementary therapists, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Art Therapy with Chronic Physically Ill Adolescents explores the effectiveness of art therapy as a primary intervention with an adolescent population with chronic physical illnessOCoin this particular case, with adolescents in chronic renal failure either on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or after kidney transplantation. The hypothesis is that art therapy: (1) facilitates expression of emotions through artwork, ideally including verbal expression; (2) enhances self-esteem and identity; (3) helps them cope with their chronic physical illness; and (4) finally, offers an opportunity to vent anger and frustration (catharsis). By getting a safe place to explore issues related not only to the developmental stage but also to the conditions of chronic physical illness, these teenagers may begin to discover their individual strengths through art therapy, rather than dwell primarily on their individual weaknesses. In essence, the book will explore whether art therapy can be a means by which this population could be helped to accept and integrate their chronic physical conditions into their lives and to find an appropriate place in our society. In addition, the book will investigate whether art therapy could become a sanctuary, one in which the patient is allowed to keep control, to make his own decisions, and to explore and develop a sense of freedom in an overwhelming controlling environment. Consisting of four chapters, Chapter 1 provides an in-depth perspective on literature review and adolescence as a developmental stage. The psychological impact of chronic physical illness in adolescence, creativity and art therapy, medical art therapy, and the creative process is discussed. Chapter 2 studies methodology, independent variables, settings, procedures, materials used, and the gathering of data. Chapter 3 addresses case histories, their artwork the short-term treatment group, and the long-term treatment group. Seven clients and examples of their artwork are presented. Chapter 4 discusses results, conclusions and ideas for further studies."

First Published in 2012. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

By creating a therapeutic outlet for self-expression and processing trauma, art therapy can play a powerful role in assisting people with a brain injury or neurological condition to adjust to living with altered abilities and ways of thinking. Bringing together a wealth of expertise from specialists working with a range of conditions including epilepsy, dementia, acquired brain injury, motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis, this book describes both the effects of the conditions and the ways in which art therapy has helped in the rehabilitation process. The book includes work with groups and individuals and with a wide range of settings and age groups, from children to older adults, and discusses the implications of research from neuroscience and neuropsychology. This will be essential reading for art therapists and students working with neurological conditions. Other professionals working with people with neurological conditions such as psychotherapists and counsellors, doctors, nurses and complementary therapists will also find it of interest.

This book focuses on somatic art therapy for treating acute or chronic pain, especially resulting from physical and/or psychological trauma. It discusses the role of the psyche in physical healing and encourages combining of traditional medicine and holistic perspectives in treatment. Translated from the French text, this volume provides case studies and examples from the author’s art psychotherapy practice of 40 years, including the four-quadrants method. Chapters review the current treatments for chronic pain and PTSD and focus on art therapeutic methods to treat those conditions, such as art therapy protocols for PTSD. The book exposes the underlying rational of somatic art therapy, covering art therapy effectiveness, Levine’s somatic dissociation, van der Kolk’s somatic memory, and Scaer’s procedural memory concepts. Also featured are chapter contributions from art therapists Sophie Boudrias, Mylène Piché, and Dr. Patcharin Sughondhabirom. By providing a unique, clear and concise synthesis of available art therapy methods this text will appeal both to the general and professional public, including professional art therapists, psychotherapists, helping relation professionals, and medical practitioners.

Demonstrating the benefits of creative expression for patients living with acute or chronic illness, this volume provides a complete, practical introduction to medical art therapy. It presents evidence-based strategies for helping people of all ages--from young children to older adults--cope with physical and cognitive symptoms, reduce stress, and improve their quality of life. The book includes detailed case material and 110 illustrations. It describes ways to work with individuals and groups with specific health conditions and challenges, as well as their family members. Contributors are experienced art therapists who combine essential knowledge with in-depth clinical guidance. This e-book edition features 87 full-color illustrations. (Illustrations will appear in black and white on black-and-white e-readers).

"This is accessible, well-written and easy to breeze through, it is an enjoyable read and one that I would recommend as an introduction to the subject of art therapy" - International Arts Therapies Journal www.sagepub.com "Vivid clinical vignettes and remarkable illustrations combine to give a lively sense of art therapy in action. They bring the reader right into the art therapy studio. David Edwards locates the practice of art therapy firmly in its historical and cultural context, explaining its roots in art and links to psychoanalysis, in this always engaging account. The detailed bibliography and resources section offers a foundation for further exploration as well as information about training. An excellent introduction to the topic, this book will be invaluable for beginners, students and experienced practitioners alike" - Professor Joy Schaverien, Jungian Analyst, East Midlands and Visiting Professor in Art Psychotherapy, University of Sheffield "I believe that David Edwards book is an excellent introduction for all of those wishing to increase their knowledge concerning the profession of art therapy. Readers will particularly appreciate David's ability to clearly convey complex material which includes psychotherapeutic concepts, illustrated case histories, and historical to the present day developments within the profession. A readable and accessible overview which will contribute to a greater understanding of the profession of art therapy and the therapeutic use of art undertaken by registered art therapists" - Carole Pembrooke, Chair of the British Association of Art Therapists. Art Therapy provides a concise introduction to theory and practice, brought to life through case material and examples of artwork produced during therapy sessions. Written by practicing art therapist Dave Edwards, the book explains key theoretical ideas - such as symbolism, play, transference and interpretation - and shows how these relate to practice. The book also provides useful information on training and employment as well as guidance on practical issues such as: } assessing clients } establishing and maintaining boundaries, and } ending therapy. An extended case study provides an overview of the whole process from beginning to end, tying together issues discussed in earlier chapters. For anyone training or planning to train as an art therapist, Art Therapy offers an excellent foundation on which to build future knowledge and skills.

"Revised and updated with new exercises"--Cover.