ABSTRACT

Pragmatically, an art therapist cannot function in the mental health world of today without an awareness of the major theoretical approaches to understanding and modifying human behavior: behavioral, cognitive, nondirective, humanistic, existential, Jungian, Freudian, and all of the many formulations based on the latter, especially those of Perls (Gestalt) and Sullivan. Similarly, an art therapist in an educational setting must be familiar with different theories/explanations of learning problems and their remediation. An art therapist also needs to know and understand the labels for psychopathology and exceptionality in current usage.