Books in the Arts Therapies series

In this classic text Art Robbins explores the role of the art therapist in integrating aesthetics and psychodynamics into the therapeutic process. The artist in the therapist responds to the patient's use of colour, space, form and energy; the therapist uses his or her artist's reaction to ascertain the psychodynamics of the piece.

This book presents a model of art therapy where the processes of art constitute the core of the model. It addresses how an arts-based approach can inform the therapist in all aspects of practice, from the conception of the work and the attempt to understand client needs to interacting with clients and communicating with others about art therapy.

Bonnie Meekums presents creative groupwork strategies and techniques for professionals working with women who have experienced child sexual abuse. The practical strategies have been developed from an understanding of the complex process of recovery, and are informed by the voices of women who have been abused in childhood themselves.

The case studies in this book provide a detailed account of play therapy undertaken with children and an adolescent, all of whom experienced emotional problems and/or varying forms of abuse. Through the narrative form of the case studies, details of their therapeutic progress is given, which then informs discussion of wider issues.

As well as providing an authoritative history of art therapy, it covers such diverse topics as the philosophy of art therapy, the way attitudes to insanity have changed, the role of art therapy in the context of post-war rehabilitation and the treatment of tuberculosis patients, Surrealism, and Britain's first therapeutic community.

Practical Approaches to Dramatherapy is derived from the authors' experiences of working with dramatherapy in a range of different situations. It focuses on the flexibility of the applications of dramatherapeutic principles.The book provides a comprehensive account of the history, theory and practice of drama and its therapeutic use.

Including contributions from some of the leading art therapists in Britain, this book addresses the key issues in the theory and practice of art therapy. The fundamental significance of the art in art therapy practice permeates the book, close attention being paid by several writers to the art-making process and aesthetic responses.

This collection of papers reflects Edith Kramer's lifetime of work in this field, showing how her thoughts and practice have developed over the years. She considers a wide spectrum of issues, covering art, art therapy, society, ethology and clinical practice and placing art therapy in its social and historical context.

Milia examines the effect of art therapy interventions with clients who harm their bodies. Demonstrating how these theories can be implemented in practice, Milia describes examples from her clinical experience, and includes case studies. Her practical book extends our understanding of the self-mutilation concept and how best it may be addressed.

Drawing on the diverse research and considerable personal experience of contributors from around the world, Music Therapy in Dementia Care takes a comprehensive look at music therapy as a means of improving memory, health and identity in those suffering from dementia - particularly the Alzheimer's type.

The book's contributors explore the transformative power of the arts therapies in areas stricken by conflict and discuss how and why expressive arts works. They look at the ways it can be used to engage community consciousness and improve social conditions whilst taking into account the issues that arise within different contexts and populations.

Art Therapy with Children on the Autistic Spectrum presents a new model of practice, which primarily focuses on communication difficulties. The authors describe how negative behaviours and subsequent tension may be alleviated when the autistic child is involved in interactive art making with the therapist.

The contributors provide evidence of how psychodrama can be used to create paths of change for even the most severe traumatization and they also discuss the possible transmission of trauma patterns across generations. The book documents the impact of trauma and explores the development of treatment, providing models of experiential treatment.

Sue Jennings introduces the concept of 'Neuro-Dramatic-Play', exploring the sensory experiences that take place between mother and child during pregnancy and the first few months after birth. She explains how this interaction is of crucial importance for the infant to develop a healthy brain, strong attachments and future resilience.

In this book Lahad introduces techniques, drawn from the expressive arts therapies, which can be employed during a supervision to release information from the creative hemisphere of the brain. These techniques include storytelling, role-playing, guided fantasy, imaginary dialogues, letter-writing, drawing, and the use of colours and shapes.