The disposal of a created piece, when art has been used as a medium for therapy, is a most important stage in the therapeutic process. This article reviews the theory regarding disposal and presents case vignettes outlining a variety of approaches. These approaches are discussed and a framework for intervention is offered.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
WallerD. Becoming a profession. The history of art therapy in Britain 1940–1982. London: Tavistock/Routledge, 1991.
2.
NaumbergM. Dynamically orientated art therapy. New York: Grune and Stratton, 1966: 3.
3.
LevensM. The psychodynamics of activity. Br J Occup Ther1986; 49(3): 87–89.
4.
PedderJ. Attachment and new beginning. Int Rev Psychoanal1976; 3: 491–7.
5.
BowlbyJ. The making and breaking of affectional bonds. Br J Psychiatry1977; 130: 421–31.
6.
KleinM. ‘On the theory of anxiety and guilt’. Int J Psychoanal1948; 29.
7.
BirtchnellJ. Art therapy as a form of psychotherapy. In: DalleyT, ed. Art as therapy. London: Tavistock Publications, 1984; 48.
8.
DavisS. The role of the occupational therapist in child psychiatry: A case illustration. Br J Occup Ther1985; 48(9): 266–88.
9.
CaseCDalleyT. The handbook of art therapy. London: Tavistock/Routledge, 1992: 192.
10.
BusuttilJ. An art therapy exhibition: A retrospective view. Br J Occup Ther1990; 53(12): 501–3.
11.
RocherJNelsonDL. Affective responses to keeping and not keeping an activity product. Am J Occup Ther1987; 41: 152–57.
12.
KillickK. Working with psychotic processes in art therapy. Psychoanal Psychother1993; 7: 25–28.