The Art Therapy Sourcebook

Usually these types of books are theoritical (for example why art therapy works) while this one is practical with many activities to work with.

I just got done with my first year at college and I got interested in art therapy. I wasn't to sure what exactly it was, and I was recommended this book from my school counselor. It was very informative, and it helped me decide to pursue my study in art therapy.

After reading a lot of *same old, same old* art therapy books, I was absolutely thrilled to discover THE ART THERAPY SOURCEBOOK. There are so many art therapy books that are dense and poorly written; Malchiodi is a clear and articulate writer who provides a savvy overview of the field of art therapy in a style that is inviting and exciting. Even if you have never heard of art therapy before, this book will inspire you to want to try your hand at art and will encourage your creative process. As a teacher of art therapy, I require all my first year art therapy and counseling students to read this book and as a therapist, I encourage my clients to read it too. Bravo! I look forward to more books by this author!

If you've been through art school or worked as a professional artist, you're aware that it's difficult to create artwork without placing some value on the outcome of the piece. This book provides wonderful examples of how to free yourself from intimidation and competition in making art and how the creative process itself is valuable to the soul. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain more emotional satisfaction from making art and for any artist who wants to create art without the constraints of impersonal evaluation. It has helped me to strive to create more honest communication through my work, a valuable lesson worth far more than the price of this book.

At last there is a book on art therapy which is clear, well-written, and comprehensive. If you want to buy one book on art therapy, this one is excellent and I cannot recommend it enough. There are numerous illustrations, exercises, and examples of how art therapy can be used for personal transformation and healing. Also, read the endorsements, they speak more eloquently to the book's contents and inspirational qualities than I can.