ABSTRACT

Edith Kramer’s groundbreaking introduction of the concept of sublimation provided the fundamental theoretical roots that underpin our profession. Her application of sublimation to art therapy practice demonstrated the raison d’être for why art therapy with psychologically fragile children and adolescents “works.” Amidst the many contemporary art therapy approaches, understanding sublimation remains essential for the practice of competent art therapy. Without it, symbolic formation cannot be fully appreciated. This chapter offers further exploration of Edith’s seminal concept within its evolution in psychoanalytic thinking over the past half century.