What is Art Therapy?

(Written by Mimi Farelly-Hansen and Michael Franklin)

Transpersonal Art Therapy, as taught at Naropa University, is both a perspective and a path. As a perspective it encourages one to hold and blend spiritual convictions with therapeutic work. In terms of assessment and treatment, the transpersonal Art Therapist works toward the balance of body, mind, emotions and spirit.

This practical approach, or path, begins with oneself. It is essential that the transpersonally based Art Therapist be grounded, be open to the fruits of contemplative and creative practices, and continue to strive for the integration of diverse viewpoints.

This unique approach connects us with the notions of spiritual well-being first articulated in the Humanistic Counseling literature of the sixties and seventies as well as thousands of years of world wisdom traditions. These contemplative traditions see healing as a return to “right relations” with all life forms on our planet.

In terms of practice, a Transpersonal Art Therapy perspective invites open evaluation and assessment of profound emotional states such as agitation or despair. These states can serve as possible indicators of psychosis or depersonalization on the one hand, or spiritual emergence on the other. Training prepares one to discern these differences and plan appropriate interventions.

The Transpersonal approach to Art Therapy embraces a visionary perspective for the field without ignoring traditional therapeutic applications of art and psychotherapy. As flexible as the creative process itself, Transpersonal Art Therapy mindfully integrates traditional and new paradigms with the wisdom of ancient spiritual systems. The discipline of creating art, which has been the inspiration for the field, invites one to enter into an authentic relationship with culture, self, process and product.

The living image that results from the art process is the true teacher, leading the way towards greater personal understanding. This is essential yet complicated work. An Art Therapist working within the Transpersonal approach strives to remain open to differences and to work for change at the personal and cultural level. Her or his work is offered with thoughtful intentions, compassion, the desire to serve and professional groundedness.

What is Transpersonal Art Therapy?