The development and practice of Art Therapy as "Community Art Counselling" in South Africa

Abstract

Introduction

The objective of writing this paper is to bring to the fore the struggles inherent in the development of art therapy in South Africa. The attempt in writing this was initially to be as inclusive as possible by inviting the collaboration of other registered art therapists, however very few external voices emerged. Thus, this is subjective, inconclusive and ever evolving, but tracks the beginnings of the profession and the current status of the branch of art therapy that I have developed over the years – community art counselling. The voices represented in this paper are those of the community art counsellors who provide a wide spread and valuable contribution to this field, offering sustainable pockets of care.