International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape最新文献

{"title":"Reclaiming the space: art therapy & post-abortion experience through an intersectional feminist lens","authors":"Natalia Talamagka","doi":"10.1080/17454832.2023.2189472","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2023.2189472","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This paper explores post-abortion experience and identifies key themes that may arise while working with individuals who have had an abortion. This paper aims to revisit and deconstruct the issue of abortion and place it in the sociopolitical context from which it arises. The research included draws from multiple disciplines including art history, the politics of inclusivity and the interconnections between identity, oppression and privilege, as a way to understand the intricacy of one’s experience of abortion and approaches the topic through an intersectional feminist lens. The paper explores art therapy as a powerful approach to depict loss, and questions how we can create a safe therapeutic space for our clients in order to allow them to further explore their post-abortion experience. Two key themes were explored; ‘self and body as a compass’ and ‘working with the “invisible loss” and recreating the narrative; Art therapy approach’. The first theme touches on the sociopolitical ideas imprinted on the body and how a therapeutic space may allow an individual to further explore the memories associated with their experience. The second theme further looks into how art therapy can be a powerful approach for the exploration of themes that emerge post-abortion, as well as the importance of being able to encourage agency in our client to choose their own way of using the therapeutic space. Finally, I have included my own use of creating and reviewing artwork as a form of self-reflexivity. Plain-language summary This paper explores the post-abortion experience and identifies two key themes that may emerge while working with individuals who have had an abortion. The first theme is; ‘self and body as a compass’ and the second; ‘working with the “invisible loss” and recreating the narrative; Art therapy approach’. I have drawn from my own art-making process in response to the topic and a contemporary artist’s personal body of work, called Tony Gum, in order to navigate the themes explored in this paper. This paper will hopefully help to start conversations around how we can create a safe therapeutic space for our clients and how we can support them in the way they want to use the therapeutic space to further explore their experience. Research recommendations are also discussed.","PeriodicalId":39969,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48914367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Museum-based art therapy and wellbeing programme: experiences of veterans with PTSD","authors":"J. Baumann, Natasha Biscoe, K. Burnell, J. Lobban, Dominic Murphy","doi":"10.1080/17454832.2023.2188409","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2023.2188409","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Background Engaging in creative arts and heritage have both been shown to improve wellbeing. Aim: The aim of the current study was to explore veterans’ experiences of attending the Creative Wellbeing Programme programme (CWP) in a military museum. Methods Seven veterans who attended the CWP programme were invited to share their experiences through a qualitative, semi-structured interview. The interview explored experiences of engaging in this type of programme and the impact this had on them. The interview was transcribed, and a thematic analysis was conducted. Results Themes concerned three stages of involvement: Pre-programme, Programme experiences, and Post-programme. Pre-Programme themes concerned reasons for participation, pre-programmes feelings, hopes and expectations. Programme Experiences concerned general experiences, the role of social support, the role of the museum, and the art therapy process. Post-Programme themes concerned perceived outcomes. Overall, the museum created a relaxed and informal environment, and the familiar items in the museum stimulated the creative process. However, for some this led to disengagement due to fear that objects may prompt negative emotions. Conclusions The findings suggest that engaging veterans in art therapy in a museum environment is beneficial. Future programmes should aim to focus on support post intervention. Implications: The study provides insight into the acceptability of art therapy within a military museum environment. It also adds to the growing international evidence concerning the role museums have in supporting mental health and wellbeing. Plain language summary This study aimed to explore the experiences of veterans who took part in a Creative Wellbeing Programme (CWP). This programme involved using art and discussion in a museum environment as a way of supporting veterans with potentially traumatic memories. The group environment facilitated connection and a sense of belonging through discussion of museum items. Seven veterans were interviewed via MS Teams about their experiences engaging in the programme, exploring potentially positive and negative aspects of participating. The transcripts were transcribed by MS Teams and anonymized before being analysed for potential themes. Themes were identified relating to pre-programme, during the programme and following the programme. Pre-programme themes were centred on the reasons veterans participated, and their hopes and expectations about the programme. Programme themes were the role of social support in the groups, the role of the museum, art therapy process. Post-programme themes centred on the outcomes veterans felt had resulted from taking part in the programme. Overall, the familiar items in the museum facilitated discussion and creativity despite some veterans feeling that the items prompted negative emotions. The study findings indicate the potential benefits of a museum group environment for veterans experiencing mental h","PeriodicalId":39969,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape","volume":"28 1","pages":"142 - 149"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45383907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Collective storytelling: art and film to process an unexpected loss","authors":"M. Andrus","doi":"10.1080/17454832.2023.2188411","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2023.2188411","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Background This qualitative arts-based research study examined the experience of graduate art therapy students, who were in the middle of their degree when their university abruptly closed. Once the program was successfully established at the new institution, students engaged in collective storytelling through art and film, then participated in a focus group to reflect on their learning. Aims: The research aimed to examine the use of collective storytelling, art and film to process an unexpected loss. Methods: A narrative feminist lens was applied in examining the qualitative rich text examples from this three-phase study to support processing their experience. Results: Participants were bonded through the collective experience and found that seeing other people’s art and story helped validate the isolation felt in their individual experience. Engaging in this process provided them a way to fill in gaps in their memory. Conclusions: Through the process of creation, reflection and dialogue, they were able to make meaning and appreciate the struggle, connecting it to learning and growth. Implications for practice: The study provides a framework for processing collective loss and considers the application of this framework to support healing with communities in art therapy. Future research: Future research could consider the application of this framework with a community of people who have interest in processing a collective loss, using art, narrative and film to serve as a container of their experiences. Plain-language summary This qualitative arts-based research study explored the experiences of graduate art therapy students (participants) who experienced the unexpected abrupt closure of their university in the middle of their graduate degree. This three-phase study utilized storytelling, art making, watching a film and participating in a focus group as a method to support processing their experience. In all, twenty of twenty-five people engaged in one, two or all three phases of the research, which were: Phase one, collective storytelling; Phase two, art illustrating story; Phase three, watching a film created from data in phase one and two in a focus group. Participants reported that engaging in this process and watching the film helped them to make sense of their experience, value the collective group process, and realize that they were not alone. They identified the art as instrumental in telling the story and several could not decipher their own voice from their peers’ voice in hearing the story reflected back to them. The article provides rich text examples exploring the overarching themes of the film; community; and sharing the story to the public. Subthemes with rich text examples that are discussed include: art in the film; emotions; isolation to connection; original voices; film as container; closure; trauma bond and gratitude. This study produced a framework for processing collective loss and considers the value of the use of f","PeriodicalId":39969,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45603618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Art therapy in acute inpatient care","authors":"Joanne Noble, S. Hackett","doi":"10.1080/17454832.2023.2175003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2023.2175003","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Background There is a long tradition of offering art therapy to inpatients. NICE guidelines (2009 p.25) recommend considering offering ‘arts therapies to all people with psychosis or schizophrenia, particularly for the alleviation of negative symptoms’. However art therapy can still be unavailable. Context This paper describes how art therapy is offered to people on acute inpatient wards, and focuses on their experience of art therapy. A service evaluation was registered and approved by the NHS Trust allowing non – identifiable information collected within the art therapy service. People with acute mental health problems attending art therapy were invited to complete a short survey. The thoughts and experiences of respondents (n = 24) are reported here. Approach The art therapy approach offered is informed by psychodynamic thinking and is adapted to meet the needs of people in acute inpatient settings who may be experiencing psychotic symptoms or have experienced trauma. Outcomes Results found art therapy to be a positive experience. Themes included the ability for self –expression, to think more clearly, a reduction in stress levels, anxiety, anger, and voice hearing. Conclusions People receiving art therapy while in hospital reported it to be a helpful part of their treatment and contributed to their overall recovery and discharge. Implications for research Further views from people receiving art therapy and from staff would be helpful using a different method for example interviewing and focus groups. Plain-language summary This paper describes art therapy as it was offered to people while they are staying on acute inpatient wards. We asked people who had attended art therapy for their feedback and we discuss how art therapy was offered in acute wards. The approach and theoretical framework of art therapy in acute inpatient care is explained as well as describing the experiences and views of 24 people who attended art therapy while in hospital and who agreed to take part in the service evaluation. People who used the service commented that they liked the calm atmosphere of the art therapy room and found it allowed time for them to express difficult feelings. People described feeling listened to and one person said it made them feel more human. Feedback indicated attending art therapy could lead to a reduction in symptoms such as anxiety, suicidal thoughts, voice hearing and stress. People using the service said art therapy was a welcome alternative or addition to medication in the treatment of their difficulties. To summarise, the paper describes how attending art therapy offers inpatients an opportunity to express difficult thoughts and feelings in a calm and relaxing setting and people reported that this helped reduce symptoms such as anxiety, suicidal thoughts and stress.","PeriodicalId":39969,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43509379","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Creating ‘art-alongside’ in Peer Art Therapy (PATh) groups: nurturing connection and trust, and responding to power dynamics","authors":"Mahlie Jewell, Catherine E Camden-Pratt","doi":"10.1080/17454832.2023.2175002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2023.2175002","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Background: Creating ‘art-alongside’ in peer art therapy groups: connection, trust, and power dynamics. Practice Contexts: Online, private practice; peer-focused PATh group and PATh group with people within the LGBTQA + community. Face-to-face, non-government organisation; art therapy groups with people living with cancer. Approach: Peer art therapists enter therapeutic spaces alongside their own Lived Experience of mental-health challenges. In PATh, art therapists create art-alongside participants in group art therapy. Outcomes: Through creating art-alongside peer art therapists can demonstrate embodied understanding of and modelling of surviving mental ill-health experiences as well as deliver authentic empathy for participants with current struggles. Art-alongside can be a mutually-connecting, co-learning, beneficial practice for participants and therapist. Creating art-alongside in PATh groups can create safer spaces for participants and provide grounded therapist-as-peer role modelling. Conclusions: Creating art-alongside participants in PATh applies peer-work and art therapy understandings and skills. It dismantles therapist/participant power locations of traditional art therapy and can be a process of mutuality and connection for participants and therapist. Implications for Research: Co-produced research with participants and therapists on the experience of art-alongside in PATh groups and co-produced research across ‘companion art’, ‘reflection-art’ and art-alongside in PATh, evidencing the impact of therapist-articulated Lived Experience. In addition, research is needed into the inclusion of an art-alongside PATh model in art therapy training. Plain-language summary Peer Art Therapy (PATh) is the framework used for practitioners who are trained and experienced in both art therapy and mental health peer work. Peer work is the practice of using our own Lived Experiences to support someone also living with similar ones and being equals within our spaces. In our context we specifically mean ‘experiences of mental health issues’. It combines the theories, skills, tasks and practices of both fields to work alongside and responsively to clients. Peer art therapists – the authors included – share with clients, aspects of their own personal experiences of living with mental health challenges. In this article, we talk about the practical application of this approach and how peer art therapists create ‘art-alongside’ the participants in their groups. This practice can benefit both the participants and therapists and creates strong connected relationships where both are learning. Our article discusses the concepts and theories of this approach and the positive responses it creates, including: building safer spaces, peer/role modelling, increased empathy for and understanding and survival of complex mental health challenges. The authors use personal examples of art created alongside from our clinical settings – online peer-focussed peer art ","PeriodicalId":39969,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape","volume":"28 1","pages":"38 - 50"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49303941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"More than words: community ignition and actions for change","authors":"C. Eastwood","doi":"10.1080/17454832.2023.2221518","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2023.2221518","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39969,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape","volume":"28 1","pages":"7 - 8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41366011","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Language is power: anti-oppressive, conscious language in art therapy practice","authors":"Alex Kapitan, L. Kapitan","doi":"10.1080/17454832.2022.2112721","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2022.2112721","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Language not only expresses but shapes how we understand the world, each other, and ourselves. Words serve a key role in maintaining cultural norms and values regarding which experiences and identities are considered valuable, normal, and powerful and which are considered abnormal, pathological, and even nonhuman. As such, there is no objective, least-offensive, neutral language that does not perpetuate the status quo. This article contributes a critical discussion of the power of words to harm in the context of art therapy, and offers helpful examples of how art therapists can disrupt oppression in language. The authors clarify that anti-oppressive, conscious language is not about censorship, language policing, or being politically correct; rather, it is about centering care and avoiding harm. Strategies are offered for recognizing how dehumanizing, invisibilizing, and pathologizing language may show up in art therapy, and how to counter oppressive language in day-to-day practice. With greater attention to how they use words, art therapists may begin to incorporate conscious language into their skillset as another art form that is attentive to culture, power, and care. Cultivating a liberatory mental model—oriented toward a future that is free from all forms of violence and where all life, all identities and experiences, and all ways of making meaning are equally honored and valued—can affect not only our language but also our entire practice and understanding of art therapy. Plain language summary Language plays a key role in how we understand the world, each other, and ourselves. It often keeps cultural rules and norms in place by naming certain experiences and identities as ‘valuable,’ ‘normal,’ and ‘powerful’ and others as ‘abnormal,’ ‘damaged,’ and even nonhuman. Trying to speak and write objectively and not offend people is a well-intentioned goal, but doing this keeps an oppressive status quo intact and can also increase self-conscious feelings of guilt and shame. This article argues that instead of focusing on the ‘right words’ that avoid offense, conscious language focuses on care and avoiding harm. We note that much everyday language is unconscious and unquestioned. Art therapists risk causing harm when they are not aware of how they use words to talk and write about people, their practices, and the different cultures they encounter in their work. We offer examples of harmful language and effective ways to counter it in daily practice, along with the empowering idea that by bringing conscious language into their work, art therapists can consider words to be another art form and a tool for being attentive to culture, power, and care. Practices that promote a mental model based in freedom from violence and valuing all people are described as a powerful way to change not only our language but the practice of art therapy itself.","PeriodicalId":39969,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape","volume":"28 1","pages":"65 - 73"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41889982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How does skin colour affect the therapeutic relationship in art psychotherapy?","authors":"Janina Sochanik","doi":"10.1080/17454832.2023.2185787","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2023.2185787","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT A recent seismic shift has brought issues of race and privilege into the collective consciousness, namely the global pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. This article looks at the consequences of not addressing power and White privilege in the art therapy room. Adopting an intersectional self-reflexive approach, this article presents my experience as a trainee art psychotherapist working in multicultural inner-city schools and argues for the prioritisation of addressing power and White privilege within art therapy practice. Using clinical vignettes I reflect on my own relationship with White privilege and consider how this might disrupt the formation of a therapeutic relationship. My experience aligned with much of the relevant literature, that to better understand and possibly dismantle damaging occurrences of power and White privilege in art therapy, more work and attention must be paid to this area. This includes current literature as well as developing our knowledge through future research that incorporates the voices of service users. Training in intersectionality and social justice are recommended to support the profession with facing up to the existence of White privilege. In addition, a compassionate space must be created to reflect on White privilege and fragility, so the work of countering the dominant narrative and educating the privileged does not fall only to those who have been marginalised and oppressed. Plain-language summary Issues of race and privilege have been brought into the collective consciousness through the global pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. This paper looks at the effect of not addressing power and White privilege in the therapy room and argues for the power and privilege that comes from being White to be reflected on as a priority in art therapy practice. To do this I have used my own experience to present my personal journey alongside relevant literature. Drawing on experience from my work in inner-city schools I examine my own relationship with being White and consider how this might disrupt the formation of a therapeutic relationship. I agree with much of the relevant literature, that to better understand and possibly dismantle damaging occurrences of power and White privilege in art therapy, more work and attention must be paid to this area. This includes current literature as well as developing our knowledge through future research that incorporates the voices of service users. To support the profession with facing up to the existence of White privilege I recommend training in how wider systems affect an individual’s varied and intersecting experiences of disadvantage and oppression, and the effect this has on that individual. In addition, a compassionate space must be created to reflect on White privilege and fragility, so the work of countering the dominant narrative and educating the privileged does not fall only to those who have been marginalised and oppress","PeriodicalId":39969,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape","volume":"28 1","pages":"84 - 91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45951175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"‘Even the moon fell from the sky’","authors":"Rebecca Fellows","doi":"10.1080/17454832.2023.2218238","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2023.2218238","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":39969,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape","volume":"28 1","pages":"1 - 1"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48088615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Transracial adoption: art therapists’ views on facilitating children's racial and adoptive identity","authors":"Ella Morrison-Derbyshire","doi":"10.1080/17454832.2023.2185786","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/17454832.2023.2185786","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Background There is an absence of research on working with transracially adopted children in the UK. This suggests the need to provide insight into how art psychotherapy practice can be used to explore the transracially adopted child's lived experience of navigating their racial and adoptive identity. The theory of intersectionality highlights the importance of recognising marginalised categories of identity. Without such, these children may only integrate partial knowledge of themselves, which inevitably undermines their voice and ability to hold power in a racialised and oppressive socio-political system. Aims The study aimed to explore: how art therapists work with transracially adopted children to help them find a coherent sense of self; what therapists themselves consider the benefits and limitations of the art psychotherapy practice; intersectional thinking as a way to avoid examining identity differences in silos. Methods This study used semi-structured interviews to gather the views of four art psychotherapists. Thematic analysis was then used to analyse the data collected. Results Evolved as three themes: the containing role of art psychotherapists, primary caregivers and wider care system; a child-led approach; the challenge of integrating cultural humility into the art psychotherapy profession. Conclusion Findings highlighted a systemic approach to processing trauma, including the use of shared, joined-up and non-verbal language could be key in helping transracial adoptees explore their identity using culturally relevant approaches in art psychotherapy. Implications for practice and future research The researcher recommends that access to cultural humility training is formalised for art psychotherapists in order to establish anti-oppressive frameworks. Plain-language summary This article outlines a research project, which examined how art psychotherapy can be used to explore the identity of children and young people who have been adopted transracially. Within this context, it sought to gain a better understanding of how art psychotherapists currently use artmaking and creativity in the therapeutic relationship with these children. It is recognised that for a transracially adopted child's placement to be successful their sense of identity and belonging needs to be supported. In some areas of the UK, post-adoption support exists, which includes access to art psychotherapy. For this research project, four qualified UK based art psychotherapists were interviewed in the hope of revealing what these participants considered to be the benefits and the limitations of art psychotherapy practice when working with this client group. Additionally, the researcher examined the art psychotherapists’ motivations for engaging in this specific subject area. Participants were further asked if any personal challenges, such as their own racial background and/or unconscious biases arose when navigating a transracially adopted child's racial and adop","PeriodicalId":39969,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Art Therapy: Inscape","volume":"28 1","pages":"9 - 19"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48912285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}