Art Therapy with People with Learning Disabilities: Authentic Voices in Clinical Practice and Research

Art Therapy with People with Learning Disabilities brings together diverse, international contributions from practitioners, researchers and clients within the field of art therapy to inform best practice when working with people with learning disabilities. Focusing on four core themes – justice, agency, advocacy and connection – this engaging volume invites readers into the transformative world of art therapy, where creativity serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and positive change.

Emphasising the voices and experiences of individuals with learning disabilities, many chapters are co-authored with clients who bring invaluable lived experience, which offers readers a fresh perspective on art therapy in practice. These insights are woven together in a rich tapestry of case studies, intervention descriptions and consideration of therapist positionality to illustrate how art therapy can empower people with learning disabilities.

Readers will gain practical insights, evidence-based approaches and a variety of creative techniques that can be applied to both clinical and research settings. This book demonstrates how art therapy facilitates self-expression and fosters personal agency, making it a compelling read for both new and seasoned art therapists alike. It will also resonate with educators and healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and application of inclusive art therapy practices across a range of health, social care and educational settings.

Nicki Power is Strategic Lead for Arts Therapies (Learning Disability) at East London NHS Foundation Trust and a Doctoral Researcher at Queen Mary University, London, supported by Barts Charity. She specialises in inclusive arts-based research with people with learning disabilities and using arts for system change in healthcare.

Dr Simon Hackett is a Consultant Art Psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience working with people with learning disabilities. He is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Applied Mental Health Research at Newcastle University and a UK National Institute for Health and Care Research Advanced Clinical Academic Fellow.