Art as Therapy or Art in Therapy? (part 2/2)
However Edwards is also keen to highlight the influence of psychoanalyst Margaret Nuamberg who’s own slant on art therapy; whilst different from Hill’s, is closer to the therapeutic model used today. By contrast Nuamberg’s model for art therapy is intrinsically connected to psychoanalytical theory, placing emphasis on releasing the unconscious by means of spontaneous artistic expression in which the images produced are a form of communication between the client and therapist (2004:1).
Essentially; Naumberg’s position might be described as championing the use of art in therapy, whereas Hill advocates art as therapy (2004:1). Whilst these differences seem minor, the altered wording of these terms represents an important distinction. The reason being that art as therapy endorses the potential of art to heal whilst art in therapy emphasizes the triangular relationship that exists between the art therapist, the client and the artwork. Subsequently within this triangular relationship the notion of healing or therapeutic change is not only restricted to the activity of art making, but can occur through the client-therapist relationship as well.
In overview these descriptions do help to differentiate art therapy as a practice in its own right. They also distinguish art therapy from other services that make use of art though not explicitly in a therapeutic way. As I continue to spend time on the course these ideals are being continually reaffirmed and are encouraging me to think about art therapy’s broader applications. However even as the practice becomes more widely recognized within sectors of the NHS, social services and education, they’ll always be a minority who’ll regard art therapy with some degree of skepticism. As Lee points out, ‘Some people have a really good understanding and that’s really exciting. Some people are open to knowing more about it and that’s cool. And some people, no matter how well you explain it, are not going to get it and maybe don’t want to get it either’ (Dee, 2012). Therin lies the challenge!
References:
Edwards, D., (2004), Art Therapy, London: SAGE Publications Ltd.
Dee, R., (2012), Art as Therapy, Projects unedited, Posted: 25/10/12, Available at: www.a-n.co.uk/p/2422257/, (accessed 27.11.12)
Murdoch, K., (2012), Keeping it Going, Projects unedited, Posted: 26/11/12, Available at: www.a-n.co.uk/p/2295372/, (accessed 26.11.12)
