ABSTRACT
According to positive psychologists Reis and Shelly Gable, good relationships with others are the most important source of life satisfaction and emotional wellbeing. Transference and countertransference are understood to be very useful for identifying dynamics within the psyche of each respective participant and in the therapeutic relationship. Therapists often avoid exploring "love" in the therapeutic relationship for fear of blurring boundaries and creating misunderstandings. Therapists' ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion is fundamental to helping clients feel like they are being understood. In response art, an art therapist makes art in response to a client's artwork, with the goal of creating meaning or increasing empathy. A positive art therapy approach uses art to do just that, to build the connection "muscle" by increasing positive emotions, practicing mindfulness, finding the benefit in negative emotions and experiences, capitalizing on strengths, exploring values and beliefs, and attending to the good.
