Misconception exists among many art therapists that the origins of art therapy exist solely in the domain of psychoanalysis. The term 'art therapy' was actually coined in 1942 by Adrian Hill, an artist, who pioneered the use of art as a therapeutic modality (Hogan, 2001)
Specific definitions of the term 'art therapy' are conflicting and numerous (Edwards, 2004). Currently, the British Association of Art Therapists perceives art therapy as process of practitioners enabling psychological and emotional growth and change in clients through artistic creation, and the relationship between the client and the therapist is viewed as integral to the therapeutic success of art therapy (Karkou & Sanderson, 2006)
Unlike Hill, Champernowne conceptualized art therapy as a modality separate and different from psychotherapy (Waller, 1991). Champernowne saw a clear distinction between the role of an art therapist and the role of a psychotherapist (Killick & Schaverien, 1997)
Somewhat of a compromise can be found in the ideas of Schaverien, a Jungian analyst and who suggested different types of art therapy, not all of which could be classified as psychotherapy (Karkou & Sanderson, 2006). Schaverien, who began her career as an artist and later became an art therapist, emphasizes the importance of art, art theory, and art history in the understanding of art therapy in its relationship to psychotherapy (Schaverien, 1993)
Another early proponent of art therapy was Dr., Irene Champernowne, who in 1942 set up an experimental center for psychotherapy through the arts in Devon called the Withymead (Waller, 1991)
Art Therapy for Abused Children Art therapy is a psychotherapeutic discipline using plastic and graphic art expression as a means of expressing thoughts and feelings that an individual may be unable or unwilling to verbalize (Di Maria pp)
Family discussion about the artwork facilitates the creation of a verbal narrative, a process that helps the child sequence temporal events and explore associated feelings and facts (Kozlowska pp). Comer Rudd-Gates, an art therapist at a shelter for abused or abandoned children, believes that giving a child a paintbrush or some pastels and a sheet of paper helps him or her to spill out secrets (Earle pp)
Although the child continued to deny allegations that her father had sexually abused her, the therapist concluded that in fact she had been sexual abused by him (Drawings pp). It is however, well documented that children have an increased tendency to recollect traumatic experiences as visual images that are portrayed through art, and artistic expression following a traumatic experience (Kozlowska pp)
Traditional academics encourage intellectual growth, while art therapy could be used as a means to encourage emotional and psychological enhancement (Hughes, 2010). With the arts being reduced significantly in public school systems, it is necessary to point out that the significant role that art therapy plays on the mental development of children and adolescents, began with a traditional art class and art education (Junge, 2010)
Art therapy has proven to be useful and would have better results if it were implemented to the everyday educational system. Although art therapy in an educational setting such as a school can be beneficial to those children with special needs, such as those with emotional, learning, behavioral, or physical disabilities (Rubin, 2005), it has also been beneficial in allowing parents, teachers, administrators, and students themselves become more psychologically aware and healthy about the daily happenings in children's lives
It has played an important role in allowing all parties involved to enhance their learning experience while going through the emotional changes that children and adolescents go through. A lot of physical, emotional and psychological growth happens during elementary school, middle school, and high school, which in turn affects academic enhancement and social skills development (Malchiodo, 2007)
This does not necessarily mean that art therapy should be implemented in schools as a replacement for another academic class, but instead be incorporated for its beneficial uses for children. Traditional academics encourage intellectual growth, while art therapy could be used as a means to encourage emotional and psychological enhancement (Hughes, 2010)