The paper discusses the six major ego functions, ego disturbances in mentally retarded children, and case examples of the use of art therapy to promote ego development. Identified are the following ego functions: control and regulation of instinctual drives, autonomous functions, reality testing, object relationships, defense, and synthesis. The…

Explores some of the factors involving abstract imagery in the work of art-therapy patients and presents examples of abstract imagery produced by patients in an acute-patient psychiatric hospital. Examples illustrate that abstract imagery can serve not only a defensive purpose, but a progressive function as well. (Author/MKA)

The important role art history can play when integrated within art therapy treatment plans is explored through individual and group case studies with inpatient and elderly populations. Results illustrate the therapeutic value of art therapy sessions that incorporate museum and gallery visits, slide presentations of modern art, and anecdotal…

Notes that art therapy with pediatric cancer patients addresses emotional and developmental needs of normal population under extreme stress. Reviews literature on the problems likely to be encountered by pediatric cancer patient and presents case examples to illustrate the emergence of these issues and their management in art therapy. (Author/NB)

Co-written by two individuals with schizophrenia and two psychotherapists who have worked professionally with people experiencing schizophrenia, this book gives first-hand insight into the process and effects of the disease. The patients provide an introduction to the book that includes a list of questions, with their answers, that were asked of…

Shows how applying art-therapy techniques to the basic principles of narrative therapy enhances the potential for therapists and families to open the door to externalizing conversations that lead to a new life. (Author/MKA)

Explores outpatient art therapy methodology which integrates D. W. Winnicott's (1971) model of parent consultation, child art therapy theories, and contemporary theories of child and brief psychotherapy. Two case studies that illustrate effective symptom management and structural change with the child and the child-parent bond are presented.…

Drawing from a dialogue between an advisor and thesis student, identifies a postmodern worldview among artists and students coming into the field of art therapy. Identifies art therapy as a postmodern form of socially responsive art and suggests the need for art therapy education to provide flexible learning environments. (Contains 25 references.)…

Explores adult developmental theories regarding implications for art therapy with impaired elderly. Examines the struggle inherent in the creative art process as a means to facilitate developmental struggle. Claims that artistic processes facilitate struggles, which can elicit conflict resolution and utilization of mature defenses with even…

The treatment of children with Gender Identity Disorder is laden with important ethical and moral considerations. Gender-typed behavior is defined by culture; therefore, it is of paramount importance that therapists clarify their own biases and expectations of gender-based behavior before attempting treatment. Two case studies are presented. (LSR)

Discusses the forces compelling young adolescent females toward early parenthood, a community-based art therapy/pregnancy program for elementary and junior high school girls, the use of interactive museum gallery visits to enhance art-therapy treatment goals, and case vignettes that illustrate issues raised for the adolescent and art therapist…

Having a body of literature on psychological sequelae of victims, assessments, and interventions following a trauma can help mental health workers to better understand the prior treatment responses and to plan for the future. In this article, we review the current status of published mental health research on children following September 11,…