2nd Edition

Art Therapy and the Neuroscience of Trauma Theoretical and Practical Perspectives

Edited By Juliet L. King, Christianne E. Strang Copyright 2025
    312 Pages 74 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    312 Pages 74 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Art Therapy and the Neuroscience of Trauma, 2nd edition, lays out a unified framework of neural plasticity and resilience and places it within a broader social context. Using a lens grounded in multicultural humility, renowned figures in art therapy have updated chapters with content that takes a systematic yet inclusive approach. New chapters and new authors offer stimulating insights into individual and community factors that drive comprehensive care.

    This revitalized second edition offers an accessible and comprehensive text intended for novice and sage art therapists and students. The book also fosters a vision and a translational pathway for research that explores the protective factors of resilience and the universal impacts of psychological trauma with the systematic integration of art therapy and neuroscience.

    1. Introduction 

    Juliet L. King and Christianne Strang

    2. Neuroscience Concepts for Clinical Practice in Behavioral Health and Art Therapy 

    Lukasz Konopka, Juliet L. King and Christianne Strang

    3. Using the Expressive Therapies Continuum as a Framework in the Treatment of Trauma: Influence of Creativity on Resilience 

    Lisa Hinz and Vija Lusebrink

    4. The Image Comes First: Treating Preverbal Trauma with Art Therapy 

    Linda Gantt and Tally Tripp

    5. Principles of Memory Reconsolidation: Advanced Art Therapy Relational Neuroscience Perspectives 

    Noah Hass-Cohen

    6. Neuroscience and Art Therapy with Severly Traumatized Children: The Art is the Evidence 

    P. Gussie Klorer

    7. Practical Applications of Neuroscience in Art Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Treating Trauma in Children 

    Christopher M. Belkofer and Emily Nolan

    8. NEA Creative Forces® Advances Art Therapy Research with Military-Connected Populations

    Gioia Chilton, Janell S. Payano Saso, Chandler Sours Rhodes and Melissa Walker  

    9. The Interpositional Role of Art Therapy in Museum Settings 

    Denise Wolf, Kathryn Snyder and Raquel Farrell-Kirk

    10. Voices 

    Addressing Parkinson's Disease Symptamology with Clay Manipulation

    Morgan Gaydos and Deborah Elkis-Abuhoff

    Applied Educational Neuroscience

    Lori Desautels and Ashlee Harmon

    Neuro-Informed Art Therapy, Trauma and Supervision Training Approach Guided by the Principles of Adlerian Psychology 

    Erin Rafferty-Bugher

    Storycloths

    Lisa Garlock

    Connecting Neuroscience to Caribbean Art Therapy Trauma Practice 

    Sarah Soo Hon and Karina Donald

    Connecting the Words of Healing through Amorphous Art

    Laura Gruce

    Short Perspective: Neurobiologically Informed Art Therapy Work within the Context of Complex Socio-Political Realities

    Einat Metzl

    The Intergration of Imagery Rehearsal Therapy and Art Therapy (IRT + AT) for Post-Traumatic Nightmares (PTN)

    Adrienne Stamper 

    Redrawing Value: Gaining New Understanding of Identity Through Art Therapy

    Barbara van der Vossen

    11. Conclusion 

    Kerry Kruk, Juliet L. King and Christianne Strang

    Glossary

    Biography

    Juliet L. King, PhD, ATR-BC, LPC, LMHC, is an associate professor in the Department of Art Therapy at the George Washington University and an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Neurology at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

    Christianne E. Strang, PhD, ATR-BC, CEDCAT-S, is an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in neurobiology, behavioural neuroscience, developmental neuroscience, and creative arts therapies.

    "This innovative second edition comes at a time when understanding the transformative potential of neuroaesthetics on healing is paramount. This edition delves into neuroplasticity, neuroscience-informed art therapy, and the artmaking process, illuminating the profound impact that art can have on the brain and well-being of individuals who have experienced trauma. 

    As the field of art therapy and behavioural health continue to make strides in understanding the neurobiological grounds of artmaking and its many therapeutic benefits, this new edition masterfully synthesizes cutting-edge research with practical perspectives that are relevant and relatable, making it an indispensable resource.

    The authors have provided an insightful understanding of how art therapy can effectively address and heal trauma at a neurological level emphasizing valuable insights on art, trauma, and the brain. Readers are provided rich case studies and techniques that will equip clinicians to deepen their understanding and enhance therapeutic outcomes across various settings. I am honored to endorse this edition and commend the authors for their continued and invaluable contributions to the field." 

    Lindsey D. Vance, ATR-BC, LPC, arts innovation manager in the Office of Teaching and Learning, District of Columbia Public Schools, Washington DC

    "King and Strang brilliantly set new horizons in the growing and robust landscape where neuroscience meets art therapy. The first edition of this book transformed the art therapy profession. Its neuroscientific discussion supported art therapy practices that struggled for decades for validation. This second edition unpacks the most recent, groundbreaking research. Theory and evidence-based findings are intertwined effectively to explore the impact of art therapy interventions on diverse populations in novel settings. Clinicians and researchers will welcome this second edition with as much enthusiasm and gratitude as we had for the first edition." 

    Marygrace Berberian, PhD, LCAT, ATR-BC, LCSW, director of the New York University Graduate Art Therapy Program

    "This new edition delves further into brain function, dysfunction, and amelioration by embracing state-of-the-art diagnostics and proposing integration with art therapy practice. As it is essential to understand medical diagnoses and psychological issues, it is also critical to understand neurological etiologies and their implication in order to refine clinical interventions. 

    Since the last publication, scientific fields have illuminated neuronal activity and re-generation enabling a more focused art therapy approach with complex brain injured clients. The editors and contributors provide invaluable perspectives to inform our work, enhance our treatment of trauma and optimize outcomes."

    Irene Rosner David, PhD, ATR-BC, LCAT, HLM

    "This new edition offers an in-depth understanding of the application of science to art therapy and the treatment of trauma. The authors build on prior concepts and forge new pathways to demonstrate effective art therapy treatment. The case examples translate theory to practice with a variety of treatment issues."

    Linda Chapman, MA, retired art therapist