The relational context is the most important component of arts-based therapy work. This book demonstrates how this is so, explains the major art relational neuroscience principles relevant to art therapy and shows how they can be used to help clients with autobiographical memory, reflecting and creating, touch and space, meaning-making, emotions, and dealing with long-term stress and trauma.

Art Therapy and Clinical Neuroscience offers an authoritative introductory account of recent developments in clinical neuroscience and its impact on art therapy theory and practice. Contributors explore the complex relationship between art and creativity and neurological functions such as those that occur during stress response, immune functioning, child developmental phases, gender difference, the processing of imagery, attachment, and trauma. It deciphers neuroscientific language and theory and contributes innovative concrete applications and interventions useful in art therapy. This book is essential reading for art therapists, expressive arts therapists, counselors, mental health practitioners, and students.