Dali to Beuys: Incorporating Art History in Art Therapy Treatment Plans

Abstract

The important role art history can play when integrated within art therapy treatment plans is explored through individual and group case studies with inpatient and elderly populations. These results illustrate the therapeutic value of art therapy sessions that incorporate museum and gallery visits, slide presentations of modern art, and anecdotal information on artists. Clients were observed to have increased self-esteem, greater self-acceptance, increased social awareness, and enhanced creativity.