1st Edition
Positive Art Therapy Theory and Practice Integrating Positive Psychology with Art Therapy
Positive Art Therapy Theory and Practice outlines a clear, systematic approach for combining positive psychology with art therapy’s capacity to mobilize client strengths; induce engagement, flow and positive emotions; transform perceptions; build healing relationships and empowering narratives; and illuminate life purpose and meaning. Woven throughout are clinical illustrations, state-of-the-art research, discussion questions, and reflections on how therapists can apply this approach to their work with clients, and their personal and professional development. The book also includes a comprehensive list of more than 80 positive art therapy directives, a robust glossary, and lists of strengths and values. Written in an inviting and amusing style, this manual is both entertaining and practical—an invaluable tool for any practitioner looking to apply the most current theory and research on positive psychology and art therapy to their clinical practice.
List of Figures Foreword: A New Era in Art Therapy Dr. Shaun McNiff Foreword: Art Therapy, Inherently Positive Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener Acknowledgements 1. Introduction. 2. A History of Positive Psychology 3. Happiness and Wellbeing 4. Positive Art Therapy Emerges Interlude: The Positive Art Therapy Manifesto 5. Positive Emotions and Emotion Regulation 6. Creativity 7. Flow 8. Strengths 9. Relationships 10. Meaning and Purpose 11. Meaning-making and Perception 12. Accomplishment 13. Professional Applications and Future Directions Appendix A. Positive Art Therapy Directives Appendix B. Glossary Appendix C. List of Strengths Appendix D. List of Values Bibliography Index
Biography
Rebecca Ann Wilkinson, MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT, is co-founder of Creative Wellbeing Workshops, which uses art and the creative process to help individuals and organizations manage stress, cope with adversity, and increase wellbeing. She serves as adjunct faculty at George Washington University’s Graduate Art Therapy Program. Rebecca is also a practicing artist and author/illustrator of Miraval Mandalas Coloring Book.
Gioia Chilton, PhD, ATR-BC, LCPAT, also co-founder of Creative Wellbeing Workshops and adjunct faculty at George Washington University, has written extensively on the intersection of art therapy and positive psychology, collaborative art processes, and altered books. Her doctoral thesis, an award-winning inquiry into the expression of positive emotions in art therapy, was acclaimed for its innovative arts-based research methods.
"Wilkinson & Chilton are synonymous with positive art therapy – I am excited about this book and its potential to revolutionize art therapy theory and practice! It’s a wonderful and much needed contribution to the literature, promoting strengths-based and relational approaches to art therapy practice grounded in positive psychology.
Donna Betts, PhD, ATR-BC, president, American Art Therapy Association, associate professor, Art Therapy Program, George Washington University"Positive Art Therapy Theory and Practice offers a confluence of transfiguring ideas where intrinsic health, art, and personal resiliency converge. This innovative book persuasively argues against pathology models by embracing our innate, creative intelligence uniquely expressed through the positive attributes of art."
Michael A. Franklin, PhD, ATR-BC, professor and chair, Graduate Art Therapy Program, Naropa University"This is a book whose time has come. Positive Art Therapy Theory and Practice is a tour de force for the art therapy literature. It introduces the perfect marriage between art therapy and positive psychology, demonstrating how each enhances the other. Chilton and Wilkinson provide an in-depth look at the theoretical foundations of positive art therapy with plenty of practical advice on how to integrate positive psychology into current art therapy practice. No matter your years of experience, using the principles and procedures outlined in this book will enrich your art therapy practice."
Lisa D. Hinz, PhD, ATR-BC, adjunct professor of Art Therapy, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College"For those new to the world of positive psychology and art therapy, and for the seasoned professionals, Chilton and Wilkinson have done a superb job taking us along their exploratory and revelatory journey of this ‘fourth force.’ They remind us of the positive power—and, quite frankly, the essence and fun—of art making as a true agent for wellbeing. Kudos to Chilton and Wilkinson for laying the path for us to follow in this all-important text!"
David Gussak, PhD, ATR-BC, professor/chair, Department of Art Education, The Florida State University
