Shlomo Ariel is an established international figure in the field of family therapy, having trained therapists in Israel, the USA and various European countries.

Written by internationally renowned equine-assisted mental health professionals, this edited collection teaches counselors how to design and implement equine-assisted mental health interventions for different populations and various challenges. Supported by ethical considerations and theoretical frameworks, chapters cover common issues including depression, anxiety, grief, ADHD, autism, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-esteem, social skills and communication, couples and family work, and professional development. Each chapter provides practical tips for implementing treatment strategies, case studies with transcript analyses, and sample session notes. This book will appeal to both the expert equine-assisted mental health counselor and the seasoned counselor who is open to partnering with an equine practitioner to help their clients in new and innovative ways.

Challenging traditional therapeutic approaches to the arts in which art is often secondary to a psychological model, Principles and Practice of Expressive Arts Therapy provides a coherent theoretical framework for an expressive arts therapy practice that places the process of art-making and the art work itself at the center. This book lays the philosophical foundation for a fresh interpretation of art-making and the therapeutic process by re-examining the concept of poiesis. The authors clarify the methodology and theory of practice with a focus on intermodal therapy, crystallization theory and polyaesthetics, and give guidance on the didactics of acquiring practical skills. Case studies of clinical practice and guidance on supervision and training in intermodal expressive arts therapy complement the theoretical chapters. Combining philosophy, theory and practice, this book is an essential text for students and academics in the field and for practicing expressive and specialized arts therapists.

For nearly three decades, Sandra Bertman has been exploring the power of the arts and belief--symbols, metaphors, stories--to alleviate psychological and spiritual pain not only of patients, grieving family members, and affected communities but also of the nurses, clergy and physicians who minister to them. Her training sessions and clinical interventions are based on the premise that bringing out the creative potential inherent in each of us is just as relevant-- perhaps more so--as psychiatric theory and treatment models since grief and loss are an integral part of life. Thus, this work was compiled to illuminate the many facets that link grief, counseling, and creativity. The multiple strategies suggested in these essays will help practitioners enlarge their repertoire of hands-on skills and foster introspection and empathy in readers.

Cognitive Behavioral Art Therapy explores the intersection of art therapy practices and principles within cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) theories and models. This timely new resource examines CBT theory as it relates to art therapy, and offers an argument for the inclusion of CBT within art therapy-based treatments. An analysis of the historical roots of both CBT and cognitive behavioral art therapy (CBAT) is presented along with current practices and a proposed model of implementation. Also included are case studies to enhance this in-depth exploration of a largely unexamined perspective within the arts therapies.

Techniques of Grief Therapy is an indispensable guidebook to the most inventive and inspirational interventions in grief and bereavement counseling and therapy. Individually, each technique emphasizes creativity and practicality. As a whole, they capture the richness of practices in the field and the innovative approaches that clinicians in diverse settings have developed, in some cases over decades, to effectively address the needs of the bereaved. New professionals and seasoned clinicians will find dozens of ideas that are ready to implement and are packed with useful features, including: * Careful discussion of the therapeutic relationship that provides a "container" for specific procedures * An intuitive, thematic organization that makes it easy to find the right technique for a particular situation * Detailed explanations of when to use (and when not to use) particular techniques * Expert guidance on implementing each technique and tips on avoiding common pitfalls * Sample worksheets and activities for use in session and as homework assignments * Illustrative case studies and transcripts * Recommended readings to learn more about theory, research and practice associated with each technique

This is the first collection of art therapy work concerned exclusively with offenders. It describes how the use of art therapy has grown in adult prisons, young offender institutions, secure psychiatric and probation centres. Examples of work by women and men of many different backgrounds show how art therapy can contribute to the understanding of offenders, and to their own understanding of themselves. This opens up the possibility of personal change, and of developing a more constructive life style. At a time of great concern about the damaging effects of crime, this book shows a positive way forward. It is illustrated with black and white photographs and many line drawings.The authors are all experienced art therapists who explore different ways of working, both in groups and with individuals. The book will be of interest to all those who work in the criminal justice system, as well as art therapists.

As personal technology becomes ever-present in the classroom and rehearsal studio, its use and ubiquity is affecting the collaborative behaviors that should underpin actor training. How is the collaborative impulse being distracted and what kind of solutions can re-establish its connections? The daily work of a theater practitioner thrives on an ability to connect, empathize, and participate with other artists. This is true at every level, from performing arts students to established professionals. As smartphones, social media, and other forms of digital connectedness become more and more embedded in daily life, they can inhibit these collaborative, creative skills. Turn That Thing Off! Collaboration and Technology in 21st-Century Actor Training explores ways to foster these essential abilities, paving the way for emerging performers to be more present, available, and generous in their work.

Positive Art Therapy Theory and Practice outlines a clear, systematic approach for combining positive psychology with art therapy's capacity to mobilize client strengths; induce engagement, flow and positive emotions; transform perceptions; build healing relationships and empowering narratives; and illuminate life purpose and meaning. Woven throughout are clinical illustrations, state-of-the-art research, discussion questions, and reflections on how therapists can apply this approach to their work with clients, and their personal and professional development. The book also includes a comprehensive list of more than 80 positive art therapy directives, a robust glossary, and lists of strengths and values. Written in an inviting and amusing style, this manual is both entertaining and practical-an invaluable tool for any practitioner looking to apply the most current theory and research on positive psychology and art therapy to their clinical practice.

This one-stop practical book guides you to run a wide range of music therapy groups with pre-school and primary aged children with additional needs. Gain understanding on how to adapt and improvise to ensure that the group meets the individual child's needs, from simple tweaks - such as selecting easier to use instruments and adjusting table heights - to improvising on a single line instrument while dancing around the room. This book includes specific guidance on how to structure sessions to cater for children with neurodivergent needs, physical and learning disabilities, and those receiving psychiatric support, with tailored sessions for each client group. 60 ideas of group activities, complete with sheet music and helpful illustrations to bring the text to life, make this book your ideal practice companion.

`This is an important and topical book coming at a time when there is growing pressure to show evidence of good practice, in order to reassure the prospective client, and to demonstrate financial accountability. It gives valuable guidelines and examples for art therapists. The book is innovative and inspiring, and the author's enthusiasm shines through. I end with the last line of this topical, readable, relevant book - one that encapsulates its content: 'We need the facts, we need the figures, but we need the stories and the pictures, too' - Therapy Today `This book makes a major contribution to the field of art therapy by reviewing, in an accessible and informed manner, the issues around the development of research-informed practice. The author offers an overview of different traditions of inquiry that will be of value to practitioners as well as those actually involved in carrying out research' - John McLeod, Tayside Institute for Health Studies, University of Abertay Dundee `This impressive book is lively, inspiring and innovative. Andrea Gilroy's energetic enthusiasm for her subject is infectious. She breathes life into the topics of research and EBP. This rich exploration combines a rigorous investigation of the existing literature with intelligent, original and practical suggestions. A thorough, informative approach that challenges existing thinking. This is a must for art therapists - at last a book that places art at the centre of our evidence in a convincingly argued, accessible and rewarding read' - Professor Joy Schaverien PhD Art Therapy around the world is under increasing pressure to become more "evidence-based". As a result, practitioners now need to get to grips with what constitutes "evidence", how to apply research in appropriate ways and also how to contribute to the body of evidence through their own research and other related activities. Written specifically for art therapy practitioners and students, Art Therapy, Research & Evidence Based Practice: " traces the background to EBP " critically reviews the existing art therapy research " explains the research process " links research with the development of clinical guidelines, and " describes the knowledge and skills needed to demonstrate efficacy. Drawing on her own experience as a researcher, practitioner and lecturer, Andrea Gilroy looks at the implications of EBP for art therapy and examines common concerns about the threat it may pose to the future provision of art therapy within public services. Art Therapy, Research Evidence-Based Practice addresses issues which are critical to the future development and even the survival of art therapy. Combining insightful analysis with practical guidance and examples, this is an ideal resource for practitioners and for those in training. Andrea Gilroy is Reader in Art Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths, University of London.

For decades, art therapy has proved to be a practical treatment for veterans and other military populations suffering from trauma. Art Therapy with Military Populations provides an in-depth overview of both the theoretical and historical bases of art therapy with these groups while also chronicling the latest trends in treatment and the continued expansion of treatment settings. Edited by an art therapist with over 25 years' experience working with the military and including chapters by a variety of seasoned and innovative clinicians, this comprehensive new volume provides professionals with cutting edge knowledge and interventions for working with military service members and their families. Available for download are employment resources for art therapists who would like to work in military settings, a bonus chapter, historical documents on establishing art therapy, a treatment objectives manual, and resources for art therapists.

Written by a well-respected author and practitioner in the field of art therapy, A Guide to Art Therapy Materials, Methods, and Applications is an innovative, comprehensive text that guides readers in how to use basic to advanced art materials and methods in a wide range of clinical settings. Through the lens of both developmental stages and assessment, the book offers practical, step-by-step instructions to incorporate these materials and methods into therapeutic work with clients of all ages and populations. In addition to such classic tools as drawing, paints, pastels, and clay, coverage of materials and special topics extends beyond the existing literature to include glass, knitting, quilting, wood burning, felting, digital applications, phototherapy, byproducts, and more. Unlike previous guides, this book specifies population benefits and contraindications for each material and technique. This research-based guide for using art materials in a safe and effective manner will be a welcome resource for students, seasoned art therapists, and mental health counselors.

Routledge International Handbook of Dramatherapy is the first book of its kind to bring together leading professionals and academics from around the world to discuss their practice from a truly international perspective. Dramatherapy has developed as a profession during the latter half of the twentieth century. Now, we are beginning to see its universal reach across the globe in a range of different and diverse approaches. From Australia, to Korea to the Middle East and Africa through Europe and into North & South America dramatherapists are developing a range of working practices using the curative power of drama within a therapeutic context to work with diverse and wide ranging populations. Using traditional texts in the Indian sub-continent, healing performances in the Cameroon, supporting conflict in Israel and Palestine, through traditional Comedic theatre in Italy, to adolescents in schools and adults with mental ill health, this handbook covers a range of topics that shows the breadth, depth and strength of dramatherapy as a developing and maturing profession. It is divided into four main sections that look at the current international: Developments in dramatherapy Theoretical approaches Specific practice New and innovative approaches Offering insights on embodiment, shamanism, anthropology and cognitive approaches coupled with a range of creative, theatrical and therapeutic methods, this ground breaking book is the first congruent analysis of the profession. It will appeal to a wide and diverse international community of educators, academics, practitioners, students, training schools and professionals within the arts, arts education and arts therapies communities. Additionally it will be of benefit to teachers and departments in charge of pastoral and social care within schools and colleges.

Art therapy literature is often based either on practice in a specific setting, art material or population, or if taking a more theoretical focus, on illustrative case studies. This book provides a theory-based approach to research, teaching, and practicing art therapy, including verbal and arts based techniques, settings, art processes and analyses, and the principles of supervision, evaluation, and research. It also offers an overview and discussion of how the different orientations of psychological and social theories are interpreted and implemented by art therapy. The book provides an integrative perspective that anchors methodology within a rigorous theoretical background. Focusing on three sub-groups of Dynamic, Humanistic and Systemic-social theories, each chapter outlines the central concepts of varying sub-theories within a general heading, and their interpretation from an art therapy perspective. Ephrat Huss explores the respective and shifting roles of art, client, and therapist through each theory, demonstrating the practical implications for creating a coherent intervention that informs all parts of the setting, therapy, client evaluation, and supervision. A Theory-based Approach to Art Therapy draws on the latest research in the field and will be a valuable text for art therapy theorists, educators, students and researchers, as well as for other social practitioners interested in understanding how to integrate the arts into their practice.

The Legacy of Edith Kramer presents a unique exploration into the life and work of the groundbreaking artist and art therapist. This edited volume examines the artist's personal and cultural history prior to relocating to the United States as well as the later years when she worked as an artist, art therapist, and teacher as she developed her theoretical understanding of art therapy. Kramer's solutions to creating a meaningful artist's life run throughout the chapters within this book, and provide the reader with a sense of what is possible. Written by an international group of contributors, this informative new text offers a multifaceted view of Edith Kramer that will be appreciated by current and future art therapists looking to better understand Kramer's exceptional mind and contributions to the field.

The Art Therapist's Guide to Social Media offers the art therapy community a guide that addresses content related to social media use, its growing influence, and the impact social networking has on the profession and work of art therapists. This book presents a framework of relevant theories, best practices, and examples to explore existing and emerging areas of social networking's power for art therapists as practitioners and artists. Divided into three sections that highlight the themes of connection, community, and creativity, chapters explore timely topics such as the professional use of social media, ethical considerations, potential benefits and challenges, and strategies to embrace the possibilities that social media can create for the field worldwide. Art therapists in training, art therapy educators and supervisors, and practicing art therapists will find content in this text helpful for their learning and professional practice.

Puppet Play Therapy is a comprehensive guidebook that describes the basic skills, techniques, and applications for selecting and working with puppets in specific types of settings and populations. Written by preeminent voices in the field, chapters offer invaluable guidance on selecting, using, and assessing puppet-based therapeutic interventions. Both beginning and experienced clinicians will also appreciate the inclusion of practical, step-by-step approaches and reproducible handouts that will aid them in their puppet play therapy sessions.

Touch in Child Counseling and Play Therapy explores the professional and legal boundaries around physical contact in therapy and offers best-practice guidelines from a variety of perspectives. Chapters address issues around appropriate and sensitive therapist-initiated touch, therapeutic approaches that use touch as an intervention in child treatment, and both positive and challenging forms of touch that are initiated by children. In these pages, professionals and students alike will find valuable information on ways to address potential ethical dilemmas, including defining boundaries, working with parents and guardians, documentation, consent forms, cultural considerations, countertransference, and much more.

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning: The Human-Equine Relational Development (HERD) Approach offers a hands-on approach to integrating equine-assisted therapy and learning into mental health treatment. Based on the HERD Institute model, the book showcases a series of case studies that cover working with patients with trauma, attachment disorders and depression. Additional case studies show varied approaches to working with families, couples and culturally-diverse populations. Ethical and safety considerations are covered, emphasizing the importance of both human and equine welfare in the equine-facilitated psychotherapy and learning model.

This practical, user-friendly manual shows mental health professionals how to implement play therapy with adolescents and adults and how to conceptualize client struggles using a wealth of creative approaches. Creative Play Therapy with Adolescents and Adults follows an accessible seven-stage process for professionals to address clients' core needs and establish an empathic therapeutic relationship. The book charts the stages of play therapy and explores a range of expressive arts including art, drama, dance, writing and sand play and the key materials needed for each. It also considers additional aspects of play therapy including resistance, spirituality and self-care. Filled with techniques, skills and case studies to help demystify complex client work, the book outlines an easy-to-follow treatment protocol for healing and resolution. This book will be of interest to a wide range of mental health professionals working with adults and adolescents as it encourages a more creative career and lasting, tangible progress in clients.

Connecting is an homage to our creative forces. Each page is an illustrative example designed to enlighten, illuminate, challenge and provoke. You can start anywhere, dip in and out or read it end to end. We are happier when we are more creative but are we more creative when we are happy? The longstanding view in psychology is that positive emotions are conducive to creativity. When we are feeling up, we feel we are more resourceful, but what if we are measuring the wrong thing? New studies have shown it is not the type of emotions, but the intensity with which we experience them that is the real driver of our creativity. Nor is our emotional palette limited to "good" feelings. All of our emotions offer creative gifts provided we experience them with depth and understanding. How to cultivate your creativity to live a more emotionally rewarding life. Drawing on insights from neuroscience and psychology, Connecting will explore the paradoxical aspects of our emotional experiences that fuel our creativity. These ideas will come to life through a visually immersive experience that will connect you to your creativity and help you live a deeper, more meaningful life.

'A wonderful book to help set up a drama group for those with learning difficulties, to help them express themselves through drama. It is a step by step guide to running a group from the basics of finding the setting right through to the final performance. Covering all topics from creative expression, acting skills, working with others to eye contact and character building. Great encouragement for those who would like to explore drama as a part of a therapuetic learning programme.' - Adders.org Special Talents, Special Needs is a handbook for teachers and facilitators working with people with learning disabilities who are interested in creative expression through drama. Based on their considerable experience working with the Strathcona Theatre Company (Europe's leading professional company of actors with learning disabilities), Ian McCurrach and Barbara Darnley have created a step-by-step guide to running a drama group. Beginning with the first steps of finding an appropriate setting and assessing the group, this guide progresses through five parts and thirty different sessions to conclude with the planning of a showing or performance. Each part covers a general topic such as introducing creative expression, exploring theatre skills and working with people with profound disabilities, while the individual sessions have a diversity of themes from trust and eye contact to building a character. The course may be followed step-by-step or simply used as a foundation upon which to base individual ideas. Although drama workshops of this kind do not provide formal therapy, the authors' experience has repeatedly shown that such work with people with learning disabilities not only increases communication skills but also promotes independence and self-esteem.

As diarists know, the act of writing is not just a form of communication, but also a means to make sense of experience and arrive at a deeper understanding of the self. The combination of the creativity of the process with the achievement of something tangible increases feelings of self-confidence and self-value. Thus creative writing can provide a complementary therapy to talking and reflecting, and offers a cost- and time-effective way of extending support to depressed or psychologically distressed patients. Suitable both for health-care professionals who wish to implement therapeutic writing with their patients, and for those wishing to start writing creatively in order to help themselves, The Therapeutic Potential of Creative Writing provides practical, well tried and tested suggestions for beginning to write and for developing writing further.

AutPlay Therapy is a behavioral play-based treatment approach to working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. This innovative new model contains a parent-training component (wherein the therapist trains parents to do directive play therapy interventions in the home) and can be utilized in any setting where children and adolescents with an autism disorder, ADHD, dysregulation issues, or other neurodevelopmental disorders are treated. This comprehensive resource outlines the AutPlay Therapy process and offers a breakdown of treatment phases along with numerous assessment materials and over 30 directive play therapy techniques.