Applying Art Therapy Directives to Ethical Decision-Making

Abstract

The DO ART ethical decision-making model for art therapy offers a series of steps and questions for considering dilemmas. However, there is a noticeable absence of art making in this process. There has been much literature indicating that art making informed by tenets of art therapy can provide valuable insight into decision-making, and help externalize the thought process, thus including art in the ethical decision-making process allows art therapists to utilize their strengths. This article expands and improves upon the DO ART ethical decision-making model to include art directives that may assist art therapists in more effective decision-making that better honors the traditions and pillars valued by the field.