ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of how cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) principles and art therapy intersect. It includes a short history of the cognitive revolution, an outline of the cognitive-behavioral therapy model, and two current variants of CBT: dialectical behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Early in the history of CBT, Mahoney and Arnkoff identified three major forms: Cognitive Restructuring therapies, Coping Skills therapies, and Problem-Solving therapies. Today, there are many other variants, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), acceptance and commitment therapies (ACT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapies (MBCT). Art therapy is particularly suited to CBT because making art is a cognitive process that uses thinking, sensing, and identifying as well as understanding emotions. CBAT can aid quick and effective problem-solving as well as acquiring coping skills, and is especially useful in brief therapy. Even when additional work can enhance the life of someone like Karen, swiftly getting to the heart of the problem can provide immediate relief.
