A Third Example of Therapy Approaches

More research has led to yet another division in the approaches to art therapy. In addition to process-centered v. product-centered therapy and directive v. non-directive therapy, there exists a third pair of conflicting styles. To clarify, process-centered therapy relies on the act of the art making itself, insisting that it is the individual alone who creates meaning out of their therapy. Quite the opposite is product-centered therapy, which is based more on the psychoanalysis of the finished product. Here, the therapist assists the individual in creating meaning out of their experience. Directive v. non-directive therapy builds on the last two approaches by highlighting the amount of assistance the therapist actually provides. Two more methods of art therapy now join the list: person-centered therapy and the systems theory approach. Person-centered art therapy is based on the theory that the experience should emphasize personal growth and self-actualization of one's own problems with the goal of developing a more positive wellbeing. In other words, the results of the therapy are entirely reliant on how well the individual explores their feelings for themselves. The systems theory approach comes from the idea that one is best understood through their reactions with others, and for that reason, therapy is best performed in group settings in order to facilitate interaction. This is based on the assumption that the individual's feelings and emotions are tied up with their relations and interactions with others.

As per usual, I am attempting to lead my groups with a nice equilibrium of the two conflicting approaches... encouraging personal growth within a group setting.