Craft in Art Therapy: Diverse Approaches to the Transformative Power of Craft Materials and Methods

Craft in Art Therapy is the first book dedicated to illustrating the incorporation of craft materials and methods into art therapy theory and practice.

Contributing authors provide examples of how they have used a range of crafts including pottery, glass work, textiles (sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery, and quilting), paper (artist books, altered books, book binding, origami, and zines), leatherwork, and Indian crafts like mendhi and kolam/rangoli in their own art and self-care, and in individual, group, and community art therapy practice. The book explores the therapeutic benefits of a range of craft materials and media, as well as craft’s potential to build community, to support individuals in caring for themselves and each other, and to play a valuable role in art therapy practice.

Craft in Art Therapy demonstrates that when practiced in a culturally sensitive and socially conscious manner, craft practices are more than therapeutic―they also hold transformational potential.

Lauren Leone, DAT, ATR-BC, LMHC, is an assistant professor of art therapy at Lesley University, maintains a private practice, and facilitates a community-based art therapy group. Her research interests include the therapeutic benefits of craft activism and how emancipatory pedagogy informs art therapy practice and education.