Approaches to Art Therapy : Theory and Technique

Rating:
Summary: Rubin's Approach to Art Therapy: Theory and Technique is a g
Review: Rubin touches on many points which would be necessity for art therapists to learn. However, this book is so full of terms specific to art therapy that readers need prior understanding of many terms for the book to make much sense. This is a book well worth the time to read just not by the beginner student of art therapy.

Rating:
Summary: uneven content, too much jargon
Review: This book is interesting, but is filled with jargon and some pretty dated material. As a psychotherapist I felt it did not give me much understanding of the different approaches to art therapy that the author proposes exist. The chapters were uneven in style and content, which did not help the overall content of the book. Perhaps someone will write a good book on approaches to art therapy, this just was not it.

Rating:
Summary: Good overview of the field
Review: This is an edited volume with each chapter reflecting the theories and practices of a particular art therapist. The chapters are written by major theorists and practitioners, some of whom are better writers than others. This accounts for the uneven quality of the book, but also gives it the kind of authenticity that may be lacking when a second party attempts to interpret or explain someone else's style and intent. Some chapters reflect the historical basis for art therapy while others reflect current practices. I teach art therapy and use it as a basic text for an therapy class covering methods, theories, and materials in art therapy. It's a good overview. Anyone who looks to this book as a source of ideas for art activities will be disappointed. Anyone who wants to know more about what art therapists do and why will find some good, basic information in this book.