In this outcomes study (N=40), changes in stress levels were compared across two participant conditions for a period of artistic activity with a cognitive focus on either a personally stressful or positive situation. Results indicated that participants in the positive-focus condition demonstrated a significant decrease in stress, whereas…

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that describes the range of effects associated with the diagnoses of Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). FASD itself is not a diagnosis, but rather encompasses a wide range of symptomatic behaviors that occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during…

This inquiry examines the strengths of male art therapists and art therapy students using the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) survey that measures character strengths. Among this sample of 21 men, two signature strengths emerged most often and had the highest total scores: "curiosity and interest in the world" and "appreciation of…

The questions in this survey were designed to solicit concrete data as well as more speculative information from men who work in an art therapy capacity. The results presented in this brief report provide a picture of how these men perceive the field of art therapy as a minority group within it. A variety of factors addressed included, but were…

Discusses views of art historian, artist, and art critic concerning the integration of identities of the art therapist and the exhibiting artist. Considers whether art therapist functions to serve others whereas exhibiting artist functions to serve or express himself/herself. Examines implications of the art therapist's message for the art world…

Describes a gap that exists in the area of telehealth, the use of telecommunications technology to increase equality of access to healthcare, and proposes that computer-assisted distance art therapy can fill the need for telehealth delivery methods. Discusses a research study in which a computer system that supports distance art therapy was…

Externalization of problems as a component of narrative therapy has been well defined by such authors as Epston and White, and Freedman and Combs. This study reflects the voices and experiences of 17 participants who engaged in an innovative externalization exercise combining sculpture and journaling over a period of 4 weeks. In an attempt to…

Role Development is a theory-based, individualized intervention developed for health care practitioners, including art therapists, to assist individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia to learn roles and their underlying task and interpersonal skills. The role of artist is particularly suited to this intervention. This paper describes the role…

This study examined the efficacy of an adjunctive trauma-focused art therapy intervention in reducing chronic child posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in an inpatient psychiatric facility for youth. We compared 2 treatment conditions, each delivered in one 1-hour group sessions over 16 weeks: (a) a trauma-focused expressive art therapy…

Describes the impact of introducing an art gallery into a New Jersey hospital. Adding art to the hospital environment improved patient morale, reduced stress, and supported the work of psychiatric art therapists. (AM)

The author presents a definition of art therapy as a profession and traces its development in therapeutic theory and practice from the nineteenth century. An appended commentary by Georgiana Jungels cites areas of art therapy history needing further research. This article is part of a theme issue on art therapy. (SJL)

Explores the credibility of the discipline of art therapy as perceived by psychology educators across the country. Also provides information on how current faculty members in higher education perceive the usefulness and utilization of art therapy. The negative results of this study may pose a challenge to members of the profession to educate…

The image-making properties of digital art can enhance many art therapy techniques while introducing new elements to practice. However, there are things that digital media cannot do in art therapy. Unconditional support for one medium or idea limits the full spectrum of possibilities. Computer art will never replace the three-dimensional presence…

Discusses improvements made within the last ten years that have made computer-assisted art therapy a more viable option for today's counselors. Explains what kinds of equipment are necessary to use computers in art therapy. Describes specific programs as well as types of programs that counselors can use with their client. Includes a list of…

This article presents the art therapist's engagement in responsive art making as an effective approach in working with an adolescent survivor of developmental trauma. Through a case study illustration, the art therapist's response art was effective in two main areas. First, in-session response art helped facilitate treatment goals in accordance…