Mentalizing in Group Art Therapy

I enthusiastically recommend this ground-breaking book. A sound foundation in mentalization principles is followed by details of practice innovations which coherently extend art therapy within the MBT model. Clear descriptions of the approach are supported by vivid testimony from the young adults who used art therapy. Much to value here for art therapists working with a range of client groups. -- Dr Neil Springham, consultant practice-research art therapist Oxleas NHS Trust, lead for psychological therapies and MBT services (Bromley), previously chair of British Association of Art Therapists

Mentalizing theory has finally found a therapeutic application for client groups that it has not been able to reach in words alone. This is the best practical guide for a clinical application that will, I hope, generate practical support not just for our therapists but all practitioners willing to step outside the frame of their traditional boundaries. Everyone has much to learn from this excellent book. -- Professor Peter Fonagy, OBE FMedSci FBA FAcSS PhD DipPsy, Head of the Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, UCL, and Chief Executive, Anna Freud National Centre for Children & Families

This book is a gem. These talented clinicians and excellent writers contribute substantially to their field by explicating a richly psychotherapeutic approach to patients' expressive artwork. The book is expertly curated with clinical examples and concrete guidelines for structuring groups, all framed in a lucid articulation of the mentalizing approach to treatment. -- Jon G. Allen, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine and The Menninger Clinic

Reading about theory-informed practice of mentalizing art therapy couldn't be any easier. Mentalizing in Group Art Therapy is a much needed text that provides clear theory and practice of mentalizing in art therapy. The chapters build upon defining theory that leaves the reader with a sense of readiness to practice. Furthermore, the clearly illustrated examples of dialogue among clients, therapists, and artwork illuminate the practice of mentalizing in action. This book is a must for art therapists to self-reflect on their practice and hone their skills. -- Megan Robb, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, Director of the Art Therapy Counseling Graduate Program, Associate Professor in Art Therapy Counseling, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville

Kula and Kate describe their exploration about the solid worth Mentalizing Based Art Therapy can bring. They provide art therapists and colleagues with a 'compass' to the MBAT. They describe several interventions and group discussions concerning how the process of making a tangible artwork can enhance mentalizing. A lovely hopeful book about youngsters in a tumultuous and critical stage of life. -- Marianne Verfaille, art therapist, registered MBT–specialised therapist, and author of ‘Mentalizing in Arts Therapies’

Moore and Marder bring the power of art therapy, with a mentalizing approach, to emerging adult groups, in order to gain personal insight into self, and empathy towards others. This book is a must for anyone working with emerging adults. The interventions are innovative and easy to incorporate into your own personal practice. I plan to bring this information to my students so they can best serve the this unique population. -- Deborah Elkis-Abuhoff, PhD., LCAT, ATR-BC, ATCS, Associate Professor and Program Director, Hofstra University Creative Arts Therapy Counseling

Authors Moore and Marder have taken art therapy to a whole new level with the addition of the concept of Mentalizing. Here the authors demonstrate their work with patients through explication of Mentalizing processes along with case examples of how to work with artistic metaphors to produce growth in self-understanding. This is a particularly valuable new volume in group mental health treatment. -- Flynn O’Malley, PhD, ABPP Senior Psychologist, The Menninger Clinic; Associate Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas

Moore and Marder have authored a marvelous introduction to mentalizing in art therapy - not only well written, but also understandable. This is no small feat, because even though mentalizing is theoretically simple, it is also complex. My thanks to Kula and Kate for this fine gift to our field! -- Judith A. Rubin, PhD, ATR-BC, HLM, Editor, Approaches to Art Therapy

How art therapy can be used to promote mentalizing in emerging adults in a clinical setting

Kula Moore, ATR-BC, LPC, CPRP is an art therapist and licensed professional counselor in Houston, TX. She practices art therapy as a senior psychiatric rehabilitation specialist at The Menninger Clinic and is the founder of Art Therapy Houston.

Kate Marder, ATR-BC, LPC, CPRP is an art therapist and licensed professional counselor. She lives in Houston, TX where she practices art therapy at Houston Methodist Behavioral Health and Art Therapy Houston.