A Study Of The History Of Art Therapy As Well As The Visual Arts.

by Chris on February 15, 2010


It is difficult to look at the historical past of art therapy and its true meaning until one goes back to the historical past of the visual arts, where art was not art but was considered a trade or workmanship by the general mass or tradesmen. Artistic symbols were used as visual records of self-expression and communication. And even though ancient healing included art in a multitude of styles and ideas, the history of art therapy was non-existent more than the centuries until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, yet art was not.

The first males to apply art therapy to their psychiatry field were Ambrose Tardieu and Paul-Max Simon. French psychiatrists, they published studies regarding the art work of the psychologically ill. Hunting at similar characteristics and symbolism of the patient's artwork, these men considered the developing historical past of art treatment as one of the best effective diagnostic tools in order to determine a specific kind of mental illness or traumatic event of the time.

Later on, Margaret Naumburg integrated the field of art into psychotherapy in order for her very own patients to visualize and recognize their unconscious state of mind. Using this form of psychological counseling, she started the Walden School in the year 1915 to apply her investigations to her student's artwork. To this day, she is considered the actual founder of art therapy in the United States, after publishing quite heavily on the subject and educating art therapy seminars at the New York University in the 1950s. From this moment on, the historical past of art therapy had a new beginning that would lead to a guarantee of its success.

Deeply rooted in the theories of Freud and Jung, both the conscious and subconscious play a significant part in the two part process of art therapy--the creation of art and having its meaning uncovered. The history of art therapy has shown that visual images and symbols are easily accessible for the human thoughts, and is considered to be the most natural form of communication. Each patient, regardless of their issue or age, is encouraged to visualize something in their thoughts they cannot talk about, yet have strong feelings and emotions about it. The art therapist then reviews it to have the patient interpret it.

As the field of art therapy moves along, it can be centered on visual mediums, and is mainly used in the mental health treatment. But it can also be used with traditional medicine in purchase to treat organic diseases and conditions. It can be documented over the years through the historical past of art therapy that art therapy makes it possible for the patients to develop their own style of coping skills, and promotes healing by reducing their stress.

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