ABSTRACT
This chapter uses a psychodynamic model to explore the relation between art, movement and verbal group therapy. This model is considerably different from the more post modern philosophies in the companion chapters. Psychodynamic theory influences how the therapist incorporates and integrates verbalization in an art therapy group, and makes decisions concerning levels of verbal and nonverbal processing. The art therapist’s theoretical framework or goal for a particular group may influence the use of verbalization as a therapeutic intervention. This decision will vary depending on the involvement of the patient in the healing process of creative improvisation (Nachmanovitch, 1990): the use of art as a way to channel and structure feeling, the ongoing development of the image as symbol, and the readiness of the patient to use the artwork to foster verbal insight.
