Counselling, therapy, and coaching always work with the use of language. With art-oriented approaches, the limitations of language can be overcome. One of the most important works of expressive arts therapy, Loesungskunst is now available in English translation. The key concept of intermodality- the authors' term for oscillation between art-analog methods- combines with the primary focus on resources and strong emphasis on solutions to lay the groundwork for the method that is as vital now as it was originally. The importance of imagination, artistic and aesthetic experience to mental wellbeing is showcased, challenging the common focus on the cognitive and emotional facets of mental health. In-depth case studies and explanations illuminate the origins and use of the theoretical frameworks, helping experienced practitioners and trainees alike to engage with the fundamental methods and concepts of expressive arts therapy.

This collection reflects on the theory and application of expressive arts today in therapy, education, research and social and ecological change. Bringing the understanding of expressive arts into its contemporary theoretical framework, the book reveals the expansion of the field from its initial focus on therapy alone into a diverse range of other areas of interest to therapists, educators, researchers and those interested in working for social and ecological change. The book also contains a selection of discursive writing, poetry and visual art, highlighting the importance of keeping artistic creativity at the heart of the field. With contributions from pioneering arts therapists, this will be vital reading for arts therapists and students in the field today.

What are the basic attitudes, values, and practices that are essential for effective work with the expressive arts? This book explores the answer to that question. The authors examine in depth the concepts of 'presence' - a way of 'being' - and 'process' - an open and trusting way of working - in the professional helping relationship and in the making of art. They introduce readers to the premise of the 'uniqueness of persons' that underpins these ideas, and look at how to realize them in practice. Diverse experiences are also shared of using the arts in group and individual work in a variety of settings, from team building and education to counseling, psychotherapy and supervision. This book is a comprehensive, foundational guide for all practitioners who use the expressive arts as a way of facilitating learning, growth, healing, and change, including expressive arts therapists and students, counsellors, coaches, and other helping professionals. With its clear structure and straight forward style, the book is appropriate also for beginners in these professional fields.

Beratung, Therapie, Coaching kommen nicht ohne Sprache aus. Was ausschliesslich sprachlich vermittelt wird, hat jedoch die Tendenz, Prozesshaftes, Sinnlich-Vitales und Komplexes zu reduzieren, zu verallgemeinern und festzuschreiben. Dies trifft auf kenstlerisches Tun nicht zu - auch wenn es mit einfachsten Mitteln ausgeebt wird.Das Autorenduo Herbert Eberhart und Paolo Knill hat eber Jahrzehnte in Praxis und Ausbildung Erfahrungen mit dem Ineinandergreifen von Sprache und kenstlerischem Tun gesammelt. Entstanden ist ein Arbeitsansatz auf systemtheoretischer Grundlage, der kenstlerisches Tun als Dezentrierung vom Belastenden und Defizitaren verbindet mit einer ressourcenorientierten Sprache und Haltung. Damit wird der Erkenntnis Rechnung getragen, dass produktive Neuausrichtung ein Zurecktreten und Loslassen voraussetzt.Detaillierte Praxisbeispiele zeigen die Vielfalt konkreter Vorgehensweisen in verschiedenen Settings. Damit verbunden ist eine theoretische Aufarbeitung des Einsatzes von Sprache, Kunst und Spiel sowie die Darstellung der erkenntnistheoretischen und methodologischen Wurzeln. Es werden die Grenzen der Anwendbarkeit diskutiert wie auch die Frage der Vermittlung der notwendigen professionellen Kompetenzen."Damit ist das Buch gleichermassen fer Lehrende wie Lernende und fer Theoretiker wie fer Praktiker eine wertvolle Quelle zur weiteren Entwicklung und deren Reflexion" (Jergen Kriz).