ABSTRACT
This chapter points out the evolution of art therapy interventions in outpatient groups in the military and includes several cases from a long-term group experience held twice weekly at Walter Reed. Group art therapy proved to be one of the most effective interventions with military personnel. Art therapy groups use the potency of group dynamics and art in conjunction with assessment, group development, and growth of its members. Edith Kramer worked in groups with children whose emotional issues such as abuse and neglect caused them to be placed in residential or special education settings for at least part of their education until they were able to be returned to the regular classroom. As part of the development of the activities therapy program, art therapists provided services to outpatient individuals and groups in which the clients were seen over long periods of time. The chapter examines four case studies of outpatient group: Alicia, Harry, Mary Lou, and Lila.
