ABSTRACT

Our developmental approach to art therapy is based on various perspectives, including analytic ideas about psychosexual (Freud, 1905/1962) and psychosocial (Erikson, 1950) development, especially observations of the separation-individuation process (Mahler, Pine, & Bergman, 1975). We also use studies of cognitive growth (Bruner, 1964), especially Piaget (1951, 1954); and of normal development in art (DiLeo, 1977; Golomb, 1974; Harris, 1963; Koppitz, 1968; Kellogg, 1969; Lowenfeld, 1957; Rubin, 1978). Normal development is our framework for understanding and intervening with clients whose development is not proceeding according to normal expectations (see Table 15.1).