ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book develops the reader's understanding of the appropriateness of art therapy as a treatment medium, both for people in acute psychotic states and for those who historically have a proneness to psychosis. It presents innovative theoretical and clinical approaches that were developed in a range of different treatment settings in Denmark, Finland, Italy, the UK, and the USA. The diverse approaches in theory and in practice offer the reader common understandings of the key issues involved in working with people who are prone to psychosis, and of the potentials of specialised forms of art therapy in bringing about fundamental and lasting psychological healing. The book presents aspects of what is involved in working in art therapy, both individually and in groups, with people experiencing the vulnerabilities deriving from psychosis.
