Art As Therapy – Inspiration, Innovation, And Ideas

Art As Therapy

Art is a door opener.
Subconsciously or consciously
We all express our emotions through art.
Diane Fausek-Steinbach

Are you a therapist who is considering incorporating art therapy into your practice to facilitate your client’s growth?

Do you volunteer or work in an institutional environment that is interested in developing a therapeutic art program for its residents?

Are you a creative person who wants to use art to explore some of your personal issues?

Whether your interest in art therapy is professional or personal, you will find plenty of practical and inspiring ideas in Diane Fausek-Steinbach’s book Art As Therapy – Inspiration, Innovation, And Ideas!

In Art As Therapy, Diane provides you with an overview of the responsibilities, risks and rewards that come with using art as therapy. She shares tips on incorporating your own unique interests and talents into your groups and provides you with the tools you need to successfully launch your first group!

Here is a sampling of the types of topics that Diane addresses in Art As Therapy:

  • Safety Issues: Matching Your Materials To Your Group
  • Incorporating Different Modalities Such As Music and Recreational Therapy
  • Thinking Creatively: Where To Find Inspiration
  • Using New Technology & The Internet
  • Creating The Best Environment
  • Fund Raising

The bulk of Diane’s book focuses on four types of therapeutic art projects:

  • Collages
  • Painting/Drawing
  • Miscellaneous Projects
  • Guided Stories (which are distinct from Guided Imagery)

Diane discusses the benefits and drawbacks to working with each type of art (based on the strengths and challenges of the artists involved) and provides plenty of art projects that contained detailed material lists, preparation notes and instructions. The art projects also include discussion questions and, frequently, sample artwork (in black and white photos and illustrations).

In closing, Diane writes that:

Art is a celebration of the life and world around us.
Even in troubled times, and under less than ideal circumstances,
Art can lift the spirit, communicate ideas and emotions, and
Offer new opportunities to grow and learn.

If you’re looking for an art book with the power to enrich your life and the lives of those around you, be sure to add Art As Therapy to your personal and professional libraries.

About Diane Fausek-Steinbach

Diane Steinbach

Diane Fausek-Steinbach is a consultant and art therapy group facilitator who has worked with long term care, rehabilitation, and general population clients for over 15 years. She is also the author of several well-received art therapy books, which include A Practical Guide to Art Therapy Groups and Art Activities for Groups: Providing Therapy, Fun, and Function.

Diane’s passions include foster parenting, blogging, mixed-media art and mentoring budding Christian writers.

For More Information About Diane:

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from Idyll Arbor, Inc. for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review, nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

35 Responses to “Art As Therapy – Inspiration, Innovation, And Ideas”

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  1. Naila Moon says:

    I think Art Therapy is so good in so many areas for the young and old.

  2. Joyce
    Twitter: Joyce_Lansky
    says:

    I haven’t done much art as an adult. I used to love it as a kid, though.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Perhaps that is something you can incorporate into your life in the New Year.
      It really enhances your life, even if you only find little bits of time to play! 🙂

  3. Twiglet says:

    I have to agree – art and craft sessions can be uplifting and totally absorbing. They always give me a real boost and I know that sharing my skills and enthusiasm with others does the same for them! x Jo

  4. JP @ A Quiet Corner
    Twitter: IamjpJP
    says:

    I love to get my grand kids to express themselves whenever I visit! Usually they say, Nan, did you bring your “craft bag,? Funny, but all that’s in there is my sketch pad, colored pencils!…:)JP

  5. Loy says:

    Some of my most precious memories of my children were when we were doing crafts together. Macaroni and glitter decorated everything in my house! Nowadays, I belong to a Project Linus group who make blankets for sick, needy, abused kids. So, yes, I do believe that Art is therapy!

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Thanks for sharing Loy! This is the first time I have heard of Project Linus and it sounds like a fabulous organization!
      I will have to look into that!

      Even though the focus of the book is more adult populations, art therapy could be a powerful tool with children…
      Especially those who have been traumatized, such as those we have heard about in recent news events.

  6. Jackie says:

    I needed to hear this today. I am sitting here frustrated because I haven’t been able to write my New Year ‘one word’ post yet. I have a ton I want to say but the words just won’t come. Instead I spent several hours working on a photo and graphic design project.

    I have always been much more of a visual person. I suppose that’s why I love the camera, graphic design and yes some times I even paint!

    I hope you have a great day!!:-)

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      I hope you have a great day too, Jackie!

      I know (and hate) that feeling of having something to say but not being able to get the words out.
      Why don’t you try journalling your word in a visual art project and posting about it that way?

      I’ll be sharing the cover of my currently in-progress 2013 planner at this week’s WOYWW.
      It’s a collage and the first confirmation I got for my One Word, Journey, is an image that I used on the cover!

      Best of luck to you – let me know when you post (the One Word Blog Hop is open ALL during January)!

  7. Meredith says:

    I think art therapy is such a wonderful thing! I have seen it in practice when I worked in the hospital, and I was sold!
    Thanks for linking up with the #MTMmixer 🙂

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Thanks for your feedback on the power of Art Therapy, Meredith!
      I’ve used it over the years in my personal journaling with some amazing results!

      Have a fabulous week and thanks for stopping by!

  8. Donna DM Yates says:

    I’ve always found collages and miscellaneous projects as therapeutic. I’ll have to look into this book

  9. katie at brighton park says:

    I may have to get this one…I do alot of art in yoga and speech sessions and this book would be a great resource. Thanks so much for linking this up at the Brighton Park Monthly Literary Link Up.~~Katie

  10. Oh… sounds like a wonderful book. I am going to have a look. Thanks for sharing

  11. Cyndi
    Twitter: ccliteraturegrl
    says:

    Wonderful blog and site. I am an art addict and creative thinking is my specialty. Wonderuful place to “hop”!

  12. EmmaK says:

    I am always creating something – I get very antsy and have to start painting or crocheting!! Would love to get into doing some art therapy too.

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Hope you have a chance to check out Diane’s book! Diane also frequently contributes her ideas to Inspire Me Monday (my weekly column/party) – if you’d like to get a chance to experience some of her ideas firsthand, that’s a great place to start (I’ve featured several of them in past columns!)

  13. Paula J says:

    I think art therapy is a great idea…I’ve always heard that crafting and artsy things help with stress or dealing with emotional issues.

    Paula
    lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com

  14. New Follower! Found you through the I Love My Post Linkup! When you have time, come visit at kjaggers.com and if you like what you see.. follow back! Happy New Year!

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Welcome Kisha – it’s so nice to meet you! I stopped by and had trouble connecting with you on GFC today so I’ll try to hook up next time – hopefully you’ll be feeling better by then too! 🙂

  15. Maria Behar says:

    Hi, there! I found you through the Weekend Blog Hop, and am now following you! I greatly enjoyed this post. I love art as well as psychology, so the idea of art as therapy is really fascinating to me! Of course, I’ve heard of this kind of thing before, since there are other books on the subject. However, this one seems to be more hands-on. I’m adding it to my TBR pile right away!! Thanks for featuring this book!! : )

  16. This sounds like a wonderful book. Such a great way of healing for so many people.

  17. Wow. How did you know that this is EXACTLY the book I need?! I have been wanting to find a meaningful outlet for my art for a long time. I would love to figure out how to use it as art therapy to help others–although I am not trained. This sounds like a great place to start. Thank you so much for sharing this!

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      I am so glad that you found this book! I will be reviewing another book by this author in the next few weeks. I also plan on reviewing more books like this in the upcoming year (so be on the lookout!)

  18. Joanna says:

    I discovered your blog through Joy’s New Year’s Resolutions Challenge and will definitely be coming back. This book sounds so, so interesting, I just started a course in creative therapy and the content you describe would really complement the others things I’m doing. Thanks for the review!

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      So delighted to meet you Joanna!
      I think your course sounds awesome!
      I also visited your blog and love the reading goals you have set for yourself in the upcoming year!

  19. Robert Reece says:

    While art is a natural not spiritual thing, you can use art to witness to a non christian. Jesus always started in the natural and moved to the spiritual like with the woman at the well. Check out witnesstothelost.wordpress.com

Trackbacks

  1. […] week I had the pleasure of reviewing Art As Therapy – Inspiration, Innovation, and Ideas by Diane Steinbach, a regular Mixed Media contributor in my Inspire Me Monday column. I wanted to […]

  2. […] several well-received art therapy books, which include A Practical Guide to Art Therapy Groups and Art As Therapy – Inspiration, Innovation And Ideas. Diane’s passions include foster parenting, blogging, mixed-media art and mentoring budding […]

  3. Inspire Me Monday - Week 57 | Create With Joy says:

    […] you were one of the many Inspire Me Monday readers Who loved Diane Fausek-Steinbeck’s book Art As Therapy, You will not want to miss this fabulous collection of 48 creative art activities that are perfect […]

  4. […] theologically and intellectually weak in its use of out-of-context scripture to make its points. Art as Therapy by Diane Fausek-Steinbach was recommended without reservation for both personal and professional use […]



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