Integrative Art Therapy and Depression: A Transformative Approach

Laying out a new integrative approach to the treatment of depression, this book looks at the biological, psychological, social and spiritual dimensions of clinical art therapy. Skov presents the theoretical foundation for a Jungian approach to art therapy and depression together with its clinical methodology and framework, outlining a procedure for working with people with mild to moderate depression. Integrative art therapy in clinical practice is introduced alongside case studies from the author's research and practice to show how transformative processes operate in the field between the conscious and the unconscious part of the psyche. Finally the author lays out her research methodology and discusses the possible implications of the integrative art therapy approach. This revolutionary approach, which places equal importance on both art therapy and psychology in the treatment of depression, will be a valuable resource for all art therapists and students working with clients and patients who suffer from depression. Psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors and other mental health professionals will also find it of interest.

Table of Contents:
1. Jung´s epistemology in art therapy. 2. Depression as a sign. 3. Integrative art therapy. 4. Transforming depression through art therapy. 5. Integrative art therapy in clinical practice. 6. Integrative art therapy in self-development. 7. Jung´s typology in art therapy practise. 8. Jung´s typology as a research methodology. 9. The Freud – Jung discussion and a new paradigm.

About the Author :
Vibeke Skov has a PhD in Psychology from Aalborg University, Denmark. In 1987 she started the Institute of Art Therapy in Denmark and she has been training students in art therapy since then. She also works as a glass artist and painter.

Review :
In this brilliant and depth-oriented exposition of the treatment of depression, Skov offers guidelines and landmarks that demonstrate how art can be used as both a healing agent and a bridge to communication...This text makes an important contribution to the field of art therapy and becomes a major landmark in the field of mental health literature. The author offers an integrative approach to art therapy with people suffering from mild to moderate depression, where she distinguishes between different domains of the work dependent of the need of the client. This book truly grasps the complexity of art therapy processes, simultaneously presenting a structure of levels and categories for the reader to hold on to. This thought provoking and highly necessary book will be hugely influential in the field of art therapy.