Technology use in art therapy practice: 2004 and 2011 comparison

Abstract

Seven years after an initial survey of art therapists that explored digital media use and training, the survey was re-issued to determine how art therapists’ perceptions, practices, and training related to the use of digital media in art therapy have evolved, and whether or not this evolution in understanding and use of digital media kept pace with that of the general population. Both surveys targeted 250 art therapists each. The first survey was conducted through email and the second survey was conducted using Survey Monkey. After comparing the two surveys to each other and trends from the general population, it was determined that the adoption of digital technology by art therapists to manage their practice has kept pace with the general population. The use of digital media as an art tool within practice is increasing quickly, but with reservations. The main reservation that art therapists cite about using digital media surrounds ethical issues. Generally the training in the use of digital media by art therapists has not kept up with the adoption rate of technology by art therapists. Thus more training for art therapists in the use of digital media is needed, particularly in the area of understanding ethics that surrounds its use.