Author Description

This book is an attempt to give art therapy identity the front and center position it deserves. Despite efforts toward clarity, there will nevertheless remain many contradictory notions, often paradoxically existing at the same time. This is the nature of identity and of art therapy’s identity. “Art therapy” is neither a form of artist nor a form of therapist, but rather a whole new field – a separate and special profession with core values and attributes of its own that must lead to a special and separate identity. Chapter 1 is the “Introduction” to this book. In Chapter 2, “Images of Identity,” the basic groundwork is laid describing definitions of personal and professional identity and discussion of the concept of “intersectionality.” Chapter 3, “Living in the Real World,” discusses some unique problems faced by art therapists as they strive to achieve personal and professional identity and credibility. Chapter 4, “Essays on Identity by Art Therapists,” contains 22 essays by prominent art therapists who were invited to contribute their ideas. These essays can be considered different “readings” of what identity is in the art therapy field. Chapter 5, “Identity Initiative, Steps Toward a New Definition: An Action Plan,” describes a two-year process, including all segments of the art therapy community, to achieve and promulgate a shared public professional identity. Chapter 6 underscores “Conclusions” to discover some baseline information about identity for students entering graduate art therapy programs. A brief questionnaire was given to three art therapy master’s program directors to conduct this survey with their entering students in the fall 2012. An important and essential discussion of the nuances of identity by the art therapy community is a significant intention of the book. Identity and Art Therapy is primarily written for art therapists–both experienced and novice. It is for people who teach now and for those thinking about