An integration of art therapy with bioenergetic analysis and gestalt therapy
Date
1978
Authors
Glicksman-Kemlo, Emilie Anne
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The problem to which this thesis is addressed, is how the art therapist might use the theory and technique of gestalt therapy and bioenergetic analysis to supplement the art therapy process in the following seven areas: philosophical or theoretical orientation, diagnostic tools, modes of symbolic interpretation or non-interpretation, directed therapeutic release of emotion, reidentification with alienated parts of the personality, establishing criteria for evaluating progress and establishing therapeutic goals.
The history of active art therapy was surveyed from its psychoanalytic origins to its present-day explorations into other psychotherapeutic approaches, from Jungian theory to the humanistic therapies with their focus on self actualization.
Gestalt therapy was examined for the applicability of its theory and techniques to the art therapy endeavor, and was found to be of benefit to art therapists in six of the seven general areas proposed , with the exception of offering a coherent system for establishing criteria in evaluating therapeutic progress.
Bioenergetic analysis in theory and methods, was found to be of benefit to the art therapist in all seven of the proposed general areas of investigation.
It was concluded therefore, that gestalt art therapy and bioenergetic-based art therapy present two new theoretical orientations to the field of art therapy and they offer numerous techniques and methods to the art therapist for understanding and entering the creative inner world of the client.