Community art therapy studios promote individual and communal transformation outside of traditional health settings. In this qualitative study, 3 art therapists observed 6 sessions of a community art therapy studio by making art and writing observations. Synthesis of their findings indicated the importance of tending to healthy relationships.…

This article describes a 10-session group art therapy program for people with physical and neurological disabilities. This program, the DIS-ART Creative Journey, was adapted from the Creative Journey used with cancer patients, and was tested in Italy by 4 art therapists. The 5-step structure of each session and the 10 facilitating techniques used…

The purpose of this study was to explore the anxiety and stress-reducing effects of drawing, using different drawing materials by promoting the development of student confidence. The drawing activities were designed to foster the exploration of identity, emotion, and sense of self, while encouraging the exploration of materials and mark making.…

Creativity software and the Internet can be valuable tools in the practice of expressive arts therapy (EAT). They offer novel options, stimulate fascination, and hold potential benefits for a wide variety of clients and the therapeutic relationship and process. A review of literature in related fields is presented to demonstrate the expected…

This manuscript explores the interplay of the concepts of "thisness" and singularity with art making. It explores the particularity of the individual--person, object, animal, plant, place, event; the clarity and joyousness of "thisness" or specificity; the exquisite presence of now; and the relationship of these qualities to contemplation and art…

Describes an art therapy method which purports to create an environment for healing and education by using small figurines. The technique allows participants to share imagery, metaphor, and symbolism. Uses three case examples (a child, women with eating disorders, and art therapy students) to illustrate this method in practice. (RJM)

The number of immigrant and refugee children coming from war-torn countries is increasing in North America. Over the past decades, creative expression activities have been increasingly recognized as a useful way to work with migrant and refugee children. These activities have been used to help them to construct meaning, to structure identity, and…

Argues that a major factor for student dropouts is lack of self-esteem, and shows the therapeutic value of art activities. Describes a self-portrait lesson with 15- and 16-year-old juveniles in a detention center. Decries the lack of attention to art in the schools. Suggests allowing students to practice right-brain drawing can improve…