'The art therapist is present' : embedding arts therapy practice and education in the praxis of contemporary art

This paper explores the significance of contemporary art for the theory and practice of art therapy. It highlights the importance of the insights and practices of contemporary art for the education and training of (visual) arts therapists, providing an example from the core curriculum of the Master of Art Therapy at Western Sydney University, Australia. In collaboration with student participants, we present some of the artwork emanating from students’ major art-based projects in the unit of study ‘Integrating Arts and Therapy’.