Art therapy in Great Britain

Jill Westwood

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Great Britain is one of the places in the world where art therapy is well recognized and organized as a profession. This chapter first overviews the evolution of art therapy in Britain: first period (1930-1959), art as therapy in hospitals; second period (1960-1979), social change and the formation of the profession; third period (1980-1999), professional recognition and psychotherapeutic influences; and fourth period (2000 onward), contemporary adaptations. The chapter ends with a discussion on the current position and future prospects. The evolving relationship between the various bodies (Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT), educational institutions/educators) around power, control, and consensus are areas of on-going dynamic tension. The rise of evidence-based practice and market-driven approaches are shaping adaptations to practice more toward a cognitive base. The challenge for art therapy in Britain will be to sustain its multifaceted and questioning character as it braves the current climate.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Wiley Handbook of Art Therapy
EditorsDavid E. Gussak, Marcia L. Rosal
Place of PublicationU.K.
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
Pages683-690
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9781118306598
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • Great Britain
  • art therapists
  • art therapy
  • evidence-based practice

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