The Open Studio as a way of working evolved in an effort to maximize the effectiveness of the artmaking project as a means to increase and deepen consciousness. This method differentiates art from psychotherapy and calls into question the validity of marrying the two experiences. (JPS)

Reflects ability of eating-disordered patient to articulate her struggle with her illness and journey back to health. Record of client's personal journey is followed by postscript written by her therapist. Article is illustrated with some of client's drawings produced during therapeutic process. (NB)

Examined effects of directed art activities on behavior of two preschool children and one kindergarten child with disabilities. Results indicated that directed art activity had larger effect than control condition on social behavior of two children, whereas control condition generated little effect. Neither art activity had measurable effect on…

Notes that psychotherapists and art therapists working with children identified as having been sexually abused have noticed certain graphic indicators seemingly peculiar to artwork of these children. Sees use of art therapy in treatment of sexually abused children as well substantiated. Reviews studies examining characteristics that appear more…

Explored concepts of brain hemispheric lateralization and distinct right brain functioning in extensive dissociation by administering Dissociative Experiences Scale to 114 engineering students and 92 university drawing students. Chi-square calculation found differences in dissociative scoring levels between groups that approached significance at…

Discusses importance of addressing culture, values, and aesthetics in training of art therapists. Illustrates how students can be guided to discover and examine influence which culture has on their own and others' perceptions of different modes of artistic expression. Contends that newly gained sensibility can give direction to students'…

One solution for school counselors with regard to their dilemma of greater caseloads and less time is the use of brief or time-limited counseling techniques. Using art when counseling adolescents can achieve this same goal. Article aims to provide secondary school counselors with a step-by-step introduction to the use of art when counseling…

Relationships among anger, anger drawing themes, and age are investigated in this follow-up study. Data used were scores from Spielberger's State Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) and an anger theme drawing. Chi-square and two-factor ANOVA were used. Results suggest that anger drawing theme is a function of maturity rather than level of…

The symbolic graphic life-line was used with clients (N=50) in short- or long-term group therapy programs. Information expressed through the life-lines helped to integrate the clients' feelings and thoughts in relation to past events, and aided therapists in devising treatment goals. (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.…

Considers the question of whether art therapy is an idea or a profession. Presents a brief overview of professions, the benefits and consequences of professions, challenges facing the profession of art therapy, and ideas for the future. Discusses service learning as a way of helping students become concerned about making a difference. (Contains 20…

Reports on a pilot study completed in preparation for a multisite study of the effectiveness of children's grief support groups. Uses art therapy to assess children's perspectives of their experience in a grief support group. Results of study support the use of art as an effective qualitative tool that can be utilized in future evaluations of…

Describes two years of field observations working on the Penobscot Indian reservation. Discusses three issues found to be central to effective therapeutic relationships: trust, common ground, and mutual respect and understanding. Discusses client art as it relates to Native American spirituality, values, and personal growth. (JPS)

Research has shown that traumatic stress has negative effects on overall health and well-being. Traumatic exposure has been linked to higher rates of psychological and physical health problems. Writing about trauma or stress has been shown to improve health and reduce stress, but can negatively affect mood. The purpose of this study was to examine…

This paper presents therapeutic art practices carried out with 60 orphan children in the small town of Ugarchin in northern Bulgaria. In 1999, a group of artists and teachers developed a varied program of art activities for these children. These activities included two 1-week visits and the opening of five art workshops--Art History, Ceramics,…