Working Together: Neuroscience-Based Support for Art Therapists and Clients to Co-Create

Abstract

How has recent research on mirror neurons and embodied simulation informed the way we understand the therapeutic relationship? Can this neuroscience research help art therapists gain more insight into the advantages and disadvantages of co-creating artwork with clients in session? Through a systematic review of literature, this paper explores the mirror neuron and embodied simulation research as well as three important elements of the therapeutic relationship in order to provide knowledge about how neuroscience can help art therapists understand what we do from a neurobiological perspective. The researcher provides an in-depth investigation of empathy, transference, and countertransference and their foundations in the related neuroscience. This investigation also offers information for art therapists in an effort to provide greater insight about the pros and cons of creating artwork with clients during art therapy sessions, and how these practices may be understood in a neuroscience context.