Welcome again — David and the readers of the ATSH. Today briefly, but I hope to encourage you to shower this site with, as always, some interesting comments.
I know, that ‘Art Therapy’ subject is quite loaded with different meanings and, probably, not free from controversies too. Yet, from what I can see browsing the relevant pages, this kind of psychological (medical) therapy has flourished in the US, with AATA (American Art Therapy Association) looking quite fit and professional.
At the same time it remains relatively exotic in Europe and especially in Ireland. My college was first in this country to introduce Art Therapy MA degrees (based on BA Hons. in Fine Art) — they are available from 1998, became quite popular, yet it’s still far from ordinary to see Art Therapist working in institutions, schools or hospitals.
I haven’t personally met yet with any sort of this practice and know nothing about its factual effectiveness. I’m interested especially in any record, experience related to the ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), since one case of it has been diagnosed in my family. Have you met with an art therapy “in action”? Are you yourself qualified and practicing? Do you have any opinions, thoughts or experiences on that subject, on how it works (if at all) on autistic children? Thanks for sharing.
My thoughts, for what they are worth”
Since my “real job” sometimes involves working with people with severe psychiatric disorders and—in many cases—terrible histories of abuse, I can say that I am of two minds regarding Art as a formal therapeutic discipline. I’m not aware of much empirical research in support of Art Therapy.
On the one hand, I believe in therapeutic approaches that are evidence-based. That is, they are supported by an extensive body of scientific research, published in well-recognized peer-reviewed journals. On the other hand, I’ve worked with art therapists who do excellent work and sometimes help to gain useful insights into the behavior of individuals who have severe psychological problems. It can therefore function as a useful adjunct to other, more empirically-validated approaches. I have never found Art Therapy (as opposed to making art) to be of much value for individuals with autism or other developmental disorders.
As an artist, of course, I believe intuitively in the power of art. As a professional, I’ve seen a lot of therapies that make intuitive sense turn out to be hogwash.
David, Thanks.