[Art therapy : Current developments in research and training].

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Creative Arts Therapies

Background:

• Art therapy is a recognized form of expressive therapy utilizing the creative process for therapeutic benefit.
• It falls under the umbrella of artistic therapies, alongside music, dance, poetry, and theater therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of art therapy's current state, including educational developments.
• To introduce specific art therapeutic interventions: the body outline image method (KUM) and Photo-Art-Therapy.
• To advocate for the standardization of art therapy education and training to improve patient safety.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of general and recent developments in art therapy education.
• Introduction and description of two specific art therapy methods: KUM and Photo-Art-Therapy.
• Emphasis on integrating theoretical knowledge with self-awareness in training.

Main Results:

• Increasing number of high-impact research studies in art therapy over the past decade.
• The need for systematically validated interventional measures and training manuals.
• The importance of self-awareness alongside theoretical learning for art therapists.

Conclusions:

• Standardizing art therapy education is crucial for enhancing patient safety.
• Further evaluation studies are needed to support evidence-based practices in art therapy.
• The integration of specific methods like KUM and Photo-Art-Therapy contributes to the field's development.