Theory to practice : a critical exploration of the therapeutic relationship in art therapy with a traumatised child

This paper explores the therapeutic relationship in art therapy with a traumatised child, Brother (pseudonym) through a critical self-reflection of my own art therapy practice. My in-depth reflection is informed by heuristic inquiry and autoethnography, based on Heidegger’s concept of ‘being-in-the world’. My active being, as the art therapist is emphasised in engaging the multiple selves of Brother in a mutual interaction process. In particular, the paper illuminates how an awareness of the implicit, polarised elements embedded in the tension of the therapeutic relationship can deepen an art therapist’s understandings of the child’s inner self, facilitate attunement and promote positive transformations in the child. This reflexive exploration of direct practice aims to deepen understandings of the nuanced contributions of art therapy practice.