Whether working in urban areas with high levels of cultural diversity, providing art therapy to 'unique' populations such as prisoners or asylum seekers, or introducing art therapy programs to parts of the world in which it is not yet established, it is essential that therapists understand the importance of practicing in a culturally sensitive manner. This comprehensive book considers how culture impacts the practice of art therapy in a variety of settings. With contributions from experienced art therapists who have worked in diverse environments, this book attempts to understand and highlight the specific cultural, subcultural and ethnic influences that inform art therapy treatment. It addresses variable factors including setting, population, environment and ability, and how they influence art therapy approaches. It also considers how cultural differences can impact physical art making through choices of color, symbol and metaphor. Each chapter provides a framework showing how art therapy techniques have been used in order to successfully work with distinct populations. This book will provide practitioners with ideas for how to adapt art therapy training and approaches to suit the setting and meet the needs of a vast range of populations. Full of informative case studies, this book will be invaluable reading for art therapists and students of art therapy.

The brain-stimulating approach known as Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming (TTAP) has a proven record of improving the lives of people with dementia by increasing their engagement and functioning. In Transforming Dementia through Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming: A New Psychology of Art, the Brain, and Cognition you now have all the tools and instructions for putting this innovative and life-affirming approach to work in your own care setting. You too can successfully enervate the minds and hearts of people living with this challenging cognitive disease. Participation in the creative arts has been shown to promote cell growth that enhances the brain's ability to learn and recall new information, create new ideas, and make new connections. Using 12 separate forms of creative expression - ranging from sculpture and painting to physical movement and mental imagery - TTAP builds on themes in an integrative way that helps each individual with dementia draw upon memories, feelings, and intellectual reserves that promote positive self-regard and active social participation. Sample activity protocols guide you through the process of engagement to help you quickly master the steps. Activities using the TTAP method can provide: -significant stimulation and integration of multiple brain regions -enjoyment, engagement, creativity, relaxation, and a sense of purpose for people with even advanced dementia -an easy-to-follow framework that allows infinite variations on themes and personal interests -complete documentation for tracking and evaluation -opportunities for one-on-one or group programming By blending the principles of art and therapeutic recreation with the latest findings in brain research, Transforming Dementia through Therapeutic Thematic Arts Programming presents an exciting new psychological taxonomy that captures the dynamic interplay between brain functioning and expressive and emotional stimulation. 2013 National Mature Media Award (Merit Award Winner)