Models and Paradigms of Art Therapy Research

This paper addresses the theory and practice of research in art therapy. It argues for inclusiveness in considering methods of inquiry that can contribute to a fuller understanding and communicating of art therapy's effectiveness. It requires the collaboration of the artist and the scientist within the researcher to accomplish meaningful art therapy research, and calls for the bridging of that gulf. The author surveys traditional as well as alternative research methods giving examples from art therapy literature. Definitions of terms are considered as a means of establishing a basis for a language of communicating what we know as well as what we have yet to learn.