Response art: A resource for practice and supervision, in person and online

Abstract

Response art is images made by art therapists to support their work. It is widely used in practice and supervision to contain challenging material experienced in session, explore and identify deeper meaning including countertransference, to conceptualize treatment and to demonstrate understanding and meaning to clients and others. Response art carries meaning whether it is used in person or in a video session. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic brought impediments to in-person verbal exchanges in traditional therapy and supervision and offered opportunities to expand our communication skills in creative ways. In this article the author encourages art therapists to turn to their own images. Examples of response art contribute to the discussion, encouraging effective use while challenging art therapists to expand its applications. Looking closely at our tools supports their effective application and expands their potential utility.