This article describes a qualitative study of the development of professional identity in art therapists who also prepare as counselors. Graduates from one university's two distinct master's degree programs were interviewed: (a) art therapy (n = 9) and (b) art therapy combined with counseling (n = 11). Most participants regardless of their degree…

Describes the past and current state of multicultural education within the art therapy profession. Models for curriculum and educational delivery are offered along with suggestions for the future development of multiculturalism within the profession. (Contains 33 references.) (GCP)

Graduate art therapy students enrolled in a multicultural art therapy course were given the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure as a pretest and posttest to assess their own cultural identity. Results indicate that stronger cultural identification is possible following the completion of one multicultural art therapy course. (Contains 25 references…

On September 12, 2001, the Techniques in Art Therapy class in the art therapy program at Albertus Magnus College met at its normal Wednesday evening time. This article describes the class session through the words and images of several class members who found the class useful in their own process of beginning to deal with the attacks and their…

Explores the role of art-making in art therapy education and proposes a studio-based model of education as one possible way to resolve the split between "art" and "therapy" in Master's level art therapy programs. Examines this model of education for reflective practice for its possible use as a strategy for integrating art, psychology, and…

Examines observations and research on question-answer interaction between client and therapist, and teacher and student. Discusses Patton's six-question instrument which provides categories of question options, with application for the art therapist. Argues that effective formulation of questions provides the clinician, educator, and researcher…

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…

Describes the results of a workshop with two groups of art therapists who met to gain a better understanding of the knowledge base of art therapy and professional identity, and the importance of including prescribed content area in curricula. Attempts to offer valuable perspectives by including both art therapy educators and practitioners.…

Addresses the task of training future art therapists through a unique branch of transpersonal psychology referred to as "contemplative education." Discusses contemplative practices, such as meditation, and their relationship to creating art. Offers a definition of transpersonal art therapy as well as a literature review. (Contains 80 references.)…

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.)…

Discusses how the art experiential is the central technique of art therapy, making it different from other therapeutic approaches. Uses the authors' personal experiences with mask-making in clinical and training settings to illustrate ideas about selecting particular art experiences. (Contains 31 references.) (GCP)

Examines the need for art therapists to explore computer applications for art therapy. Emphasis is placed on the need for the art therapist to have knowledge of computer hardware and software properties to effectively match them with client needs. Examples of computer art highlight the potential of art processes and directives for therapeutic use.…

Outlines how computers provide a transactional space in the art therapy process and how they can be used to support the interpersonal work that characterizes art therapy. Argues that therapists need to develop a strategy to work with software developers and designers to help them understand what is needed in the art therapy field. (Author/MKA)

Explores that which art therapy education should comprise for the profession to remain vital. Draws four lessons from observing patterns in the development of related professions: internal consensus must determine the criteria for professional membership, legitimacy of the profession must be established, demand must exist, education should be…

Interview with Don Seiden--artist, educator, and regional pioneer in the field of art therapy practice and training in the Midwest. Seiden reflects on historical developments in the field and future trends in the profession. Central to the conversation is the unique perspective that artists bring to the fields of mental health and science.…