ABSTRACT
This chapter explores ethical issues that arise from the multiple relationships that exist between instructor and student during art-based supervision. Boundaries and containers play an important role in supervision; depth-oriented models are of particular interest for art therapists because complexity in relationship to the therapeutic art process and product is central to learning. The use of expressive arts in supervision raises ethical concerns such as boundary issues, dual relationships, and the use of supervisory power; concerns that are potentiated by the intimate processing that occurs with arts modalities. The relationship between supervisee and the single canvas becomes the primary container for transformation, while the sequential layering stimulates tension, curiosity, expression and integration of authentic professional and personal voice. Supervision is an experiential modeling container. How tensions are welcomed and worked with, both among peers and with a supervisor, directly affects the building of trust.
