Comparison of International Art Therapy Projects: Purpose, Training, and Practice of Art Therapy in Developing and Transitioning Countries

Abstract

Around the world, art therapy varies in its definition, training process, purpose, and theoretical approach. Furthermore, there is a limited amount of research on international art therapy projects, particularly in developing and transitioning countries. The variations within the field and the limited amount of research make it challenging for art therapists to engage in international art therapy work. An integrative, systematic literature review was conducted to gain an understanding of varying training processes, purposes, and implementations of art therapy in developing and transitioning countries. Contemporary research articles on international art therapy projects were found and integrated in order to create a guiding framework to inform future art therapy projects in these nations. Overall, twenty countries were included in this literature review. The resulting definition of art therapy provides a guiding framework for future work in these areas. This framework includes a crisis intervention theoretical orientation and community-oriented structure. The art therapy approach is studio art therapy with an emphasis on indigenous art making and sustainable art materials. The guiding framework also promotes the training of local community members to utilize art therapy interventions and stresses the importance of avoiding power dynamics that further marginalize oppressed communities.