Where Now? Looking at the future of Art Therapy

Abstract

This paper will address tensions between maintaining the traditional theoretical and clinical roots of our profession while embracing the inevitable challenges of the radically different social and political landscape in which we now work. Shifting social demography, religious ideology, medical advance and the growth of neuro-science, and in particular, the development of technology, global communication and the internet are some of central features of this evolving landscape which most pertain to art therapists. Clinical material and images illustrate some of the dilemmas thrown up in new working environments and some comparisons are drawn with contemporary art and artists. Are we rising to these challenges by taking our thinking forward, and if so, how? These are some of the central questions raised by this paper, setting the stage for reflection and further discussion throughout the conference.

Key words: future, Internet, new developments, research