An invaluable guide for those wishing to explore how art therapy can support and validate the emotional and mental health needs of people with learning difficulties. Case studies offer insight into the practical, professional, and political issues shaping art therapy today. 35 photos.

Mair Rees, Cardiff Community Healthcare Trust

Introduction Part 1 Background 1 A personal journey 2 Frames of reference: Some operational and contextual issues influencing the practice of art therapy with people who have learning difficulties Part 2 Art therapy at work 3 It's a mystery: Accounts of an art therapy group for people with learning difficulties 4 On the edge: Art therapy for people with learning difficulties and disordered personalities 5 Lost in space: The relevance of art therapy with clients who have autism or autistic features 6 Humpty Dumpty's shell: Working with autistic defence mechanisms in art therapy 7 Rape!: The violation of integrity and will 8 Is art therapy?: Some issues arising in working with children with severe learning difficulties 9 Learning to say 'goodbye': Loss and bereavement in learning difficulties and the role of art therapy Part 3 Allied approaches 10 Journey in joint working: Some reflections on an experience of arts therapies collaboration 11 Chances for change: Counselling people with learning Difficulties Part 4 Professional issues 12 There is light at the end of the tunnel: Ways to good 'clinical effectiveness research' 13 Clinical supervision in art therapy: Is it really 'super!'?