BATA Symposium

Art therapy was founded to further comprehensive health, well-being, and human understanding through artistic expression. Yet as the field grows, it has paradoxically narrowed its mission and often veered away from the art base. This challenge will be addressed by asking how art heals, now and throughout history, and the extent to which artistic processes continue as primary elements of training, research, and professional identity. And as the art therapy field officially defines itself as a psychotherapeutic discipline, we will discuss how this affects the more inclusive therapeutic use of art in healthcare, education, and all sectors of society in need of healing.