Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Using art as therapy or intervention permits people with serious or life-threatening physical illnesses to express themselves in a manner that is often felt to be safer and less difficult than a strictly verbal means. When coping with serious illness, invasive medical procedures, drug, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and, in some cases, terminal illness, art expression is a powerful method for dealing with physical changes, emotional trauma, interpersonal problems and spiritual dilemmas. It can also enhance a therapist's understanding of patients' perceptions of themselves, their families and their environment, and allows both therapist and patient to obtain a fresh perspective on problems and directions.
Some of the most distinguished art therapists in the USA have contributed to this wide-ranging and inspiring collection, which deals sensitively with work with patients who are suffering from terminal illness such as AIDS or cancer, or recovering from traumatic operations such as mastectomies. The chapters offer practical advice on materials and approaches to use with a variety of clients, depending on the objectives of the therapy. As the first book to engage with medical art therapy with adults, this will be an innovative and essential resource for all counsellors, creative arts therapists, psychologists and health care professionals.
Table of Contents
The role of art therapy in post-stroke rehabilitation / Judith Wald -- Expanding treatment possibilities for chronic pain through the expressive arts / Paul M. Camic -- Art therapy with laryngectomy patients / Susan Ainlay Anand and Vinod K. Anand -- Dreamwork and sandtray therapy with mastectomy patients / Vija B. Lusebrink -- Coping with cancer through image manipulation / Ellen Urbani Hiltebrand -- Enlightenment in chemical dependency treatment programs : a grounded theory / Holly Feen-Calligan -- Beyond words : the art of living with AIDS / Emily Piccirillo -- Tuberculosis : art therapy with patients in isolation / Irene Rosner David and Shereen Ilusorio -- External stress : the impact of illness on the family structure / Shirley Riley -- Art therapy and cancer : images of the hurter and healer / Virginia M. Minar -- Studio-based art therapy for medically ill and physically disabled persons / Mary K. McGraw.