Mindful Art Therapy: A Foundation for Practice

The mindful art therapy presented in this book places inner contemplation, openness and visual language at its centre, showing how traditional Eastern wisdom can be integrated into modern psychotherapeutic practice for mind body wellness.

This book introduces a foundation for mindful art therapy practice by providing a coherent framework that bridges paradigms between eastern and western traditions. Australian psychologist and art therapist, Barbara Jean Davis, clarifies different approaches from mindfulness traditions to guide students and practitioners in determining the most suitable and personalised method for practice, research and professional development.

The book features case studies and artworks from the treatment of common clinical presentations such as anxiety and depression and includes a guided meditation script and CD.

This book is an essential text for art therapy and psychology students, academics and allied health professionals who seek to integrate mindful art therapy into research and practice.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments.

Preface.

Part I. What is Mindfulness?.

1. Introduction
2. Mindfulness Theories and Approaches.

Part II. Mindful Art Therapy - A Method for Practice.

3. Mindfulness Processes.
4. Art Therapy Perspectives.
5. Inside a Mindful Art Therapy Session.

Part III. Metaphorically Speaking.

6. Painting Through Depression.
7. Good Grief.
8. Voice of Reason.
9. Silence is Golden.
10. Contemplating Panic.

Part IV. Clinical Applications in Mindful Art Therapy.

11. Sentient Being.
12. Sense and Sensibility. Chapter
13. Complementary Methods.
14. Mindful-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Wellness.
15. ACT.
16. Positive Psychology.

Part V. Developing a Mindful Art Therapy Practice.

17. On Becoming a Mindful Art Therapist.
18. A Note About Music.

Tables and Figures.

References.