A Relational approach to art therapy

Abstract

In psychotherapy of any kind, theory is an important basis for clinical practice but also evolves from it. Art therapists and other psychotherapists who use art materials need a theoretical framework to help them understand and conceptualize what happens in therapy. The Relational approach has never been presented as a theoretical framework for art therapy. Here, interviews were conducted with four art therapists who use this approach. Interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed how Relational principles manifest in art therapy and the challenges that arise when implementing this approach. Practical implications and the relationship between the therapist's personality and his or her theoretical affiliation are discussed.