Art as Medicine: Creating a Therapy of the Imagination

(Paperback)

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Description

This book shows how the expressive arts therapies contain the potential for renewal in both art and psychotherapy. The author first describes the theoretical basis for his vision of art as medicine, citing the archetypal psychology of James Hillman, writers such as D.H. Lawrence and Friedrich Nietzsche, mythologies such as Mircea Eliade, Henri Corbin and British scholar Jane Harrison and others. He then discusses his methods, including interpretation through performance and storytelling, collaborative creation, and dialoguing with paintings, as opposed to talking about paintings. Finally, he offers an illustrated examination of drawings, paintings and dreams, demonstrating how interacting with the products of the imagination can lead to growth and transformation for the healthy as well as the sick. The author also wrote "The Arts and Psychotherapy", "Educating the Creative Arts Therapists", "Fundamentals of Art Therapy" and "Depth Psychology of Art".

Reviews

"This well-written book shows brilliantly the interplay between soul and sacred, art and shamanism, sickness and health. It is a mature product, combining lucid philosophy with hands-on experience, and contains profound insights into the human psyche."Intuition



"The fast-growing field of expressive arts therapy recognizes Shaun McNiff to be its most perceptive pioneer and articulate teacher. Art As Medicine clearly displays his gifts and solidly confirms his reputation."James Hillman

Author Bio

Shaun McNiff is internationally recognized as a founder and leading figure in the arts and healing field. University Professor at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he is past president of the American Art Therapy Association and the author of several other books including Art As Medicine, Trust the Process, and Creating with Others .