Ethics in Art Therapy: Challenging Topics for a Complex Modality

Due to the complicated nature of using art and art materials in clinical practice, art therapists are often confronted with ethical considerations that are unique to their field. This book explores challenging topics in the ethical practice of art therapy. Professional guidelines do not always address the gray areas of important ethical issues in art therapy practice. Art therapists must therefore have a strong sense of personal standards by which to navigate morally ambiguous situations. Using case examples and current ethical theory, the book provides much-needed guidance for how to handle dilemmas such as receiving client art as gifts, displaying client art, religious and sexual issues, and the documentation and digital dissemination of confidential material and artwork. This book will be a valuable resource for art therapy students, graduate supervisors, new practitioners, and more experienced clinicians looking to increase their awareness of complex ethical issues.

Lisa R. Furman, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT, LPC, has worked as an art therapist and clinical co-ordinator in psychiatric, educational and community-based programs with children, adults and families in the greater New York City area for over 20 years. She has presented nationally on her work with cancer patients and current issues in art therapy ethics. She is an adjunct faculty member in the graduate art therapy program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and an assistant professor at Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Connecticut.