Art Therapy: Origins, Applications, and Research Paper

It is perhaps for this reason that Natalie Rogers' person-centered approach to art therapy is the preferred approach, as it allows for artistic expression in a multitude of ways -- art, dance, drama, etc. -- and it is the patient or "client" who decides what works best for them. Said Carl Rogers of his person-centered techniques, and also his relationship with his clients:

the relationship with I have found helpful is characterized by a sort of transparency on my part, in which my feelings are evident; by an acceptance of this other person as a separate person with value in his [or her] own right; and by a deep empathetic understanding which enables me to see his private world through his eyes. (Sommers-Flanagan 121)

In other words, the key to successful art therapy is the therapist's acknowledgement and appreciation of the differences -- cultural, racial, and otherwise -- between himself and the patient, and also his ability to communicate that understanding in an empathetic light.References

Beavis, M. And Bull, S. (2008). Isobel's Images -- one woman's experience of art therapy. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 37, 103-109.

Epp, K.M. (2008). Outcome-Based Evaluation of Social Skills Program Using Art Therapy and Group Therapy for Children on the Autism Spectrum. National Association of Social Workers.

Lewis, P. (1997). Multiculturalism and Globalism in the Arts and Psychotherapy. The Arts in Psychotherapy, Vol. 24, No. 2, 123-127.

McGann, E. (2006). Color Me Beautiful: Racism, Identity Formation, and Art Therapy. Journal of Emotional Abuse, Vol. 6, No. 2-3, 197-217.

Pfeifer, N. (2010). Group art therapy with sexually abused girls. South African Journal of Psychology, 40, 63-73.

Rustin, T.A. (2008). Using artwork to understand the experience of mental illness: Mainstream artists and Outside artists. GMS Psycho-Social-Medicine, Vol. 5, 1-14.

Sommers-Flanagan, J.….....