Virtual Art Therapy is the perfect book for an imperfect time in a world that has been turned upside down and inside out. Suddenly unable to offer themselves and media in shared spaces, art therapists have had to re-imagine helping others to create and to heal in radically new 'virtual' interpersonal environments. This book is a vivid and inspiring reminder of the energy and empathy that has always animated our profession, revealing the powerful 'reality' of the healing relationships possible through art, even in a virtual world.
-Judith A. Rubin, PhD, ATR-BC, HLM, psychologist, psychoanalyst, author; filmmaker and president of Expressive Media
To say that this text is timely is a gross understatement. More than a mere how-to reaction to current situations, Ms. Winkel assembled the top people in the realm of virtual and digital art therapy to expound upon their theoretical and practical applications and research within vast and far-reaching arenas for this easily accessible and enjoyable to read resource that will traverse all times.
-David E. Gussak, PhD, ATR-BC, Florida State University, professor of Art Therapy and project coordinator of the FSU/FDC Art Therapy in Prisons Program
This innovative text is timely and attests to the responsive and dynamic nature of art therapy, most critically through the integration of research and practice. Conventional continuums of practice have been challenged, reconfigured and optimized to meaningfully address diverse communities, cultures and contexts. Embracing emerging technologies, expanding therapeutic spaces, and reimagining the potentiality of this creative and responsive modality, Michelle Winkel has spotlighted a commanding collection of chapters that are guaranteed to stimulate and perhaps expedite the ongoing evolution of the discipline in sustaining ways.
-Ronald P.M.H. Lay, MA, AThR, ATR-BC, registered and credentialed art therapist, consultant, supervisor and program leader of the masters in art therapy program at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore
Art therapists in general tend to be creative problem solvers. At no time more than the present have we seen our creative problem solving come to the forefront as with our adaptation to move art therapy into the online and virtual environment. Virtual Art Therapy gives us wonderful insight into the real experiences of practicing clinicians in Art Therapy working virtually. The book also provides a strong theoretical foundation upon which we can move forward into these spaces in an ethical and informed manner. I highly recommend this book for Art Therapists and students coming into the field as knowledge on virtual work as an art therapist will continue to grow in demand.
-Dr. Penelope Orr, LPC, ATR-BC, ATCS, chair and professor, Edinboro University, Edinboro, Pennsylvania, United States
We live in challenging times. In particular, art therapists need to find creative ways to continue interacting with clients and giving them the opportunity to be helped through art materials. Virtual Art Therapy: Research and Practice, is groundbreaking in that it provides innovative ways for art therapists to respond to these challenges.
-Dr. Dafna Regev, Graduate School of Creative Art Therapies, University of Haifa, Israel
As a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic the art therapy profession experienced a rapid explosion of online art therapy practices. This benchmark book brings together important considerations of the changing role of the art therapist, historical context, theoretical frameworks, shifting power dynamics, traditional and non-traditional media, one-on-one and group models, different approaches for different client populations, working internationally and multilingually, and the importance of cultural humility when practicing art therapy online.
-Alex McDonald, editor-in-chief, International Journal of Art Therapy, Communications & CPD Manager, British Association of Art Therapists
