Art Therapy And Psychotherapy

Blending Two Therapeutic Approaches

Victoria D. Coleman, Phoebe Farris-Dufrene

• Publisher: Routledge
• Year: 2014
• ISBN:
  9781317711490
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: Psychotherapy
• Index: Psychology

As the world changes rapidly, there exists a challenge to develop new conceptualizations, paradigms, definitions and strategies for surviving in an intensely competitive global community. In response to these changes, helping professionals must expand their knowledge of therapeutic approaches and re-evaluate their philosophies and objectives in order to interact effectively with diverse populations.; Enabling therapists and educators an opportunity to embrace two modalities at once, this text applies a combined approach to individual, family and group counselling situations. The authors contend that the use of artistic expression as an element of the counselling prescription transcends age, race, culture and gender in its effectiveness. Hence, art therapy, blended with and enhanced by traditional psychotherapy, lends itself naturally to the multifaceted clientele of the 21st century.; Presented first in this resource is a theoretical framework for art therapy and psychotherapy, and a thorough review of the existing literature. The authors then discuss integration of theory into practice through case studies complete with original client artwork. The final chapters focus on other important issues, including ethical and legal considerations, multicultural concerns, career development, and further implications for the field.

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

 

As the world changes rapidly, helping professionals and educators must reevaluate their philosophies, goals, and objectives in order to interact with diverse populations. In the last decade of the twentieth century, our nation is being challenged to develop new conceptualizations, paradigms, definitions, strategies, and techniques for surviving in the intense, competitive, global economy. As these changes impact all individuals, it has become necessary for mental health professionals to expand their knowledge of therapeutic approaches.

Due to the myriad of changes in the mental health profession, the authors recognized the need to fuse various treatment methodologies in order to provide better services to clients. Each of the authors has extensive experience working with clients who have a multitude of disorders ranging from neuroses to psychoses. In addition, the therapists provide services to clients from a variety of socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Coming to Purdue University in 1989 to pursue academic careers, the authors also had an opportunity to utilize their clinical skills in the community. Because of mutual interests in therapeutic interventions for multicultural populations, the therapists decided to collaborate on a number of projects, including research and scholarly activities, and serving as cotherapists. In their efforts as cotherapists, they identified trends and patterns of behavior prevalent among the clients that were seen. Some of the problems impacting upon their clients were physical and sexual abuse, racial oppression and discrimination, dysfunctional family systems, and a lack of support from the juvenile/adult judicial system and the state welfare department.

After discussion and analysis of the aforementioned situations, the authors determined the importance of reporting their findings to the mental health profession. Consequently, collaboration on a book seemed an appropriate activity. Because of Coleman's background in psychotherapy, and Farris-Dufrene's expertise in art therapy, it was decided to fuse the two disciplines.

Coleman's educational training and professional experience include positions in higher education, corporate America, mental health services, social services, and entrepreneurship. Her doctoral work in counseling psychology focused on self-concept development, which has its antecedents in the theoretical framework of Super's (1957) Developmental Self-Concept Theory of Vocational Behavior. Super, considered the father of vocational psychology, has suggested that individuals attempt to implement their self-concept by choosing to pursue an occupation that they perceive would provide the most opportunity for self-expression.

Utilizing Super's (1957) framework as the foundation for individual, group, and family counseling, Coleman has focused on the self-concept development of multicultural and diverse populations. Major components of the self-concept are self-esteem, the feeling tone, self-acceptance, and/or how one feels about oneself (Super, Starishevsky, Matlin, ' Jordaan, 1963). As many of her clients present with depression and low self-esteem, it is within these constructs that she has focused on their personal growth and development.

While working in a variety of venues, Coleman has been exposed to many individuals, families, and groups that were not particularly receptive to the traditional “talk” psychotherapy. Having collaborated with Farris-Dufrene, an art therapist, on research, publications, and conference presentations, it was natural that the two would work together clinically to accommodate the nonverbal clients.

Farris-Dufrene utilizes both the art as therapy approach and art psychotherapy, depending on the work environment and the client's needs. When she is working in private practice as a primary therapist, cotherapist, or art therapy consultant, she functions more as an art psychotherapist. However, when working in psychiatric or educational institutions that employ other personnel such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, etc., she prefers the art as therapy approach, leaving the psychotherapy to other mental health professionals.

Farris-Dufrene's approach to dealing with behavioral issues, both during the art therapy sessions and in the client's other domains, is one that attempts to assist in developing the client's ego capacities through the use of reality testing and appraisal in abeyance through self-control and constructive channeling (Henley, 1992). Offering creative outlets for energy discharge increases the client's capacity for sublimation and motivation. It is a behavioral approach that employs sympathy for one's clients without being overly permissive. It implies an acceptance of art that may be violent or overtly sexual, while at the same time encouraging clients to distinguish between creating emotionally charged art and acting out those feelings in a manner that could harm others or themselves (Henley, 1992).

Art therapy and psychotherapy are obviously compatible as witnessed by the collaboration between the two authors in clinical and scholarly endeavors. Each has its purpose with respect to facilitating the personal growth and development of individuals, families, and groups. It is within this context that this book, Art Therapy and Psychotherapy: Blending Two Therapeutic Approaches, was conceptualized.

The purpose of this book is to provide an opportunity for mental health professionals to gain “hands on” information related to these two modalities. The mental health profession is in need of specific tools that can help facilitate the counseling process, and the use of different techniques will allow therapists to be more equipped to handle a variety of issues and situations as they assist individuals, families, and groups in seeking self-actualization.

This book utilizes the case study approach in order to provide mental health professionals with specific examples for treatment of various disorders. Cases include art illustrations by children and adults while in therapy, diagnoses, in-depth discussion of the art therapy and psychotherapy sessions, and recommendations.

This book also can serve as a resource for students, university educators, and clinicians. Each chapter of the book is highlighted below.

CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION

In this chapter is presented an introduction to issues and concerns faced by mental health professionals as they attempt to blend two therapeutic modalities. It also includes a brief statement of the contents of each chapter.

CHAPTER 2—THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The authors present the antecedents of their theoretical frameworks and discuss how pioneers in art therapy and psychotherapy have influenced the blending of two approaches.

CHAPTER 3—BLENDING ART THERAPY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

The purpose of this chapter is to present a conceptualization for blending art therapy and psychotherapy. This chapter discusses the interdisciplinary nature of art therapy, which encompasses art, psychology, and therapy. The use of a variety of disciplines makes art therapy conducive to the work of many mental health professionals, particularly psychotherapists.

CHAPTER 4—CASE STUDIES: CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

In Chapter 4 are highlighted two case studies, one involving three siblings who were victims of sexual abuse, and the other two siblings dealing with issues of adoption. This chapter also outlines the various agencies and organizations that impact upon the treatment of children and adolescents.

CHAPTER 5—CASE STUDIES: FAMILIES

In this chapter are emphasized the complexities of working with a dysfunctional family that had been involved with the juvenile and adult judicial system, as well as the state welfare department. The discussion focuses on treating the entire family.

CHAPTER 6—CASE STUDIES: ADULTS

Two adult females and one adult male are profiled in this chapter. Case Study #1 involves a middle-aged Middle Eastern woman who suffered post-traumatic stress syndrome. The second case highlights career related stress in mid-life. The third case involves an urban Native American dealing with job discrimination and a recent divorce.

CHAPTER 7—PROFESSIONAL, ETHICAL, AND LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

In Chapter 7 are identified specific professional, ethical, and legal issues that should be considered when providing art therapy and psychotherapeutic services. Some of the topics addressed are codes of ethics, confidentiality, civil and criminal liability, and private practice. Guidelines are formulated on principles established by the American Psychological Association.

CHAPTER 8—MULTICULTURAL ISSUES IN ART THERAPY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

In Chapter 8, readers are informed of the considerations in working with multicultural and diverse populations. These populations include ethnic minorities, biracial clients, and clients of various socioeconomic levels. The authors suggest the appropriateness of providing clients with the option to select therapists of their own cultural background.

CHAPTER 9—CAREER DEVELOPMENT ISSUES IN ART THERAPY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY

The career development of art therapists and psychotherapists is discussed based on a model designed by one of the authors. The model focuses on self-assessment; decision making; educational, occupational, and community information; and preparation for work, leisure, and retirement.

CHAPTER 10—IMPLICATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

The final chapter of this book is concerned with significant implications related to art therapy, psychotherapy, training, research, program development, and policy. It reinforces that the blending of art therapy and psychotherapy is a feasible orientation for mental health professionals.

REFERENCES

Henley, D. (1992). Exceptional children: Exceptional art. Worcester, MA: Davis Publications.

Super, D.E. (1957). The psychology of careers. New York: Harper & Row.

Super, D.E., Starishevsky, R., Matlin, N. & Jordaan, J.P. (1963). Career development: Self-concept theory. New York: College Entrance Examination Board.

Chapter 2

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

The combining of art therapy with psychotherapy has received much attention in professional literature, often controversial because of “territorial” discipline issues. The match appears to be natural because of the combining of the cognitive domain with the affective, expressive domain. Psychotherapists have found that their clients vary greatly in their expressive styles, and allowing a modality that includes a full range of expression can more readily facilitate a variety of communication styles.

During the 1940s, Naumburg (1947) developed the use of art as a tool in psychotherapy. Her method was based on releasing the unconscious through spontaneous art expression. Her art therapy had its roots in the transference relationship between patient and therapist and the encouragement of free association. Naumburg stressed an extension of psychoanalysis and focused on intensive work with individual patients. Art therapy, as she defined it, was a primary therapeutic method.

A decade later, Kramer (1958) relied on psychoanalytic concepts and the later ...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title Page
• Copyright Page
• Dedication
• Table of Contents
• List of Figures
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Chapter 1 Introduction
• Chapter 2 Theoretical Framework and Review of the Literature
• Chapter 3 Blending Art Therapy and Psychotherapy
• Chapter 4 Case Studies: Children and Adolescents
• Chapter 5 Case Studies: Families
• Chapter 6 Case Studies: Adults
• Chapter 7 Professional, Ethical, and Legal Considerations
• Chapter 8 Multicultural Issues in Art Therapy and Psychotherapy
• Chapter 9 Career Development Issues in Art Therapy and Psychotherapy
• Chapter 10 Implications for Mental Health Professionals
• Index
• About the Authors