Scientific Art Therapy: An Integrative and Research-based Approach

The thesis of this paper is that principles of art and science can be successfully integrated to form a firmer and more socially responsible foundation for art therapy. Recent literature from a variety of research disciplines, the work of a number of art therapists, and the author's training in both art and science aid in developing this thesis. Preliminary guidelines for systematically incorporating a scientific perspective with art therapy are presented, and the important role research plays in constructing a combined knowledge base is emphasized. Finally, some implications for current art therapy practice are discussed, leading to fresh support for the art-as-therapy approach.