There are various approaches to the practice of art therapy. There is not a set of rigid rules or techniques that govern the practice, but rather a set of theories that guide the therapists approach to the client. Scholars have filled the pages of entire books with volumes of information on this very topic and therefore it could not possibly be covered in extensive detail here. This essay simply provides a brief overview of three art therapy approaches, (1) existential, (2) person-centered, and (3) clinical. The humanistic psychology approach was born out of criticism of the psychoanalytical theory as well as the human potential movement of the 1960’s and 70’s (Malchiodi, 2003, p. 58). This alternative to psychoanalytic theory was deemed …show more content…
The creative process allows a state of mindfulness. The individual gets to make decisions at every step of the way from color choice, to media, to content. This alludes to the individual’s freedom, autonomy, and ability to make decisions. Interpretation of the art product itself is only significant in the way that the individual perceives the creative experience and the artistic expression (Malchiodi, 2003, p. 60). The art provides an avenue for the client to create meaning, and value. Conflicts can be resolved through the creative process. The art process sets up a platform where a client –therapist conversation about meaning to life, freedom, purpose, goals, and values can be discussed. Further supporting the humanistic foundation of the existential approach. The person-centered approach also falls under the broader humanistic school of thought. It focuses on the individual’s ability to find personal meaning. The person-centered therapist must have an unconditional positive regard for the client. This means they trust that the individual possess the resources within themselves for self-exploration, and self-discovery. Furthermore, people are capable of expressing themselves rather than repressing their maladjustments and can make better more healthy choices (Malchiodi, 2003, p. …show more content…
Within this framework individuals the receive therapy are referred to as patients not clients. They are diagnosed with an illness or mental dysfunction and a treatment or a cure is in order (Junge, 2010, p. 172). This type of art psychotherapy takes place within a clinical setting like a psychiatric hospital with inpatients, or out patient groups. At the inception of this approach it was very hierarchical. A psychiatrist had to recommend a patient to the art therapist. The art therapist was to collaborate with nurses, psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists