Group Art Therapy

180 Pages·2022·5.044 MB·English

by  Megan A. Robb

“Megan A. Robb’s book on the practice and research of art therapy groups is both timely and
much needed. Beginning with a historical analysis of the evolution of group therapy, Robb
effectively weaves together the neglected contributions of Black and brown art therapists and
reviews the many formats in which group art therapy has been conceptualized and practiced. The
book eloquently bridges theory and practice and advances diverse possibilities for art therapy.”
—Savneet K. Talwar, Professor, Department of Art Therapy
and Counseling, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, USA
“In a new book on group art therapy, Robb brings a critical lens to previous texts that largely
focus on a medical and psychodynamic model, missing out on the rich history of using group
art therapy to build relationships, bridge communities, and address social issues. By including
a range of theoretical orientations, multiple views of how to use the art, and a more humanistic
view of membership and leadership in a group, this book will serve to inform and educate a new
generation of art therapists to expand our understanding of art therapy.”
—Sarah E. Kremer, PhD, LPCC, ATR-BC, Senior Lecturer,
Dominican University of California, USA; Clinical Director,
Puente de la Costa Sur, USA
Group Art Therapy
Group Art Therapy: Practice and Research is the first textbook of its kind, taking into account
practice-based evidence and using a transtheoretical approach to present a range of art therapy
group interventions.
The book covers essential topics, including leadership, art making, successful therapeutic
factors, and the basic stages of developing and facilitating groups. Offering practical information
not only to students but also to experienced practitioners, the chapters provide details about
preparation and practice, note-taking and documentation, and research tips. Adhering to the most
up-to-date educational standards and ethical codes of art therapy, the book covers the full range
of settings and art therapy approaches.
This text will prepare art therapy graduate students and practitioners to lead groups in a variety
of settings, theoretical approaches, and applications.
Megan A. Robb is an art therapist, educator, and researcher who has presented nationally and
internationally. She is professor and program director of art therapy counseling at Southern
Illinois University Edwardsville, where she focuses on integrating relational cultural theory,
group practice, and art therapy.

Group Art Therapy
Practice and Research
Megan A. Robb
Cover image: Being among and Between (2021), Megan A. Robb
First published 2022
by Routledge
605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158
and by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
© 2022 Megan A. Robb
The right of Megan A. Robb to be identified as author of this work has been asserted in
accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any
form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented,
including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system,
without permission in writing from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks,
and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Robb, Megan A., author.
Title: Group art therapy : practice and research / Megan A. Robb.
Description: New York, NY : Routledge, 2022.
Identifiers: LCCN 2021036909 (print) | LCCN 2021036910 (ebook) | ISBN
9780367527778 (paperback) | ISBN 9780367527778 (hardback) | ISBN
9781003058335 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Art therapy. | Arts—Therapeutic use. | Group psychotherapy.
Classification: LCC RC489.A7 R586 2022 (print) | LCC RC489.A7 (ebook) |
DDC 616.89/1656—dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021036909
LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021036910
ISBN: 978-0-367-52778-5 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-0-367-52777-8 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-003-05833-5 (ebk)
DOI: 10.4324/9781003058335
Typeset in Times New Roman
by Apex CoVantage, LLC
To the frank conversations I had with group members
who taught me humility time and time again

Contents
List of Figures xiv
List of Tables xv
Acknowledgments xvi
Introduction 1
Intention of the Book 2
History of Group Therapy 2
Chapter Overviews 6
Chapter 1: Theories of Group Art Therapy 7
Chapter 2: Types and Formats of Group 7
Chapter 3: Art Media 8
Chapter 4: Dynamics That Work 9
Chapter 5: Therapeutic Factors 9
Chapter 6: Leadership 9
Chapter 7: Stages of Group Development and Group Preparation 10
Chapter 8: Beginning Stage 10
Chapter 9: Working Stage 11
Chapter 10: Ending Stage 11
Chapter 11: Documentation and Evaluation 11
Limitations 12
1 Theories of Art Therapy Groups 15
Studio-Based Group Theory 17
Leader 17
Member 17
Art Making 18
Feminist Theory 18
Leader 19
Member 19
Social Action Theory 20
Leader 20
Member 21
Existential Theory 21
x Contents
Leader 22
Member 22
Interpersonal Neurobiology Theory 23
Interpersonal Neurobiology Group Art Therapy 23
Leader 24
Member 24
Psychodynamic Theory 25
Leader 25
Member 26
Art Making 26
Adlerian Theory 27
Leader 27
Member 28
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 28
Leader 29
Member 29
2 Types and Formats of Art Therapy Groups 33
Types of Groups 33
Psychoeducational 34
Psychotherapy 36
Open Studio 36
Social Action 38
Support 39
Wellness 39
Task-Oriented 39
Formats of Art Therapy Groups 40
Size of Groups and Duration of Sessions 40
Open or Closed Group Formats 41
Brief Art Therapy Groups 41
Online Art Therapy Groups 42
Application of Chapter Learning 43
3 Art Media 46
Theories of Art Media Selection 47
Expressive Therapies Continuum: Lusebrink and Hinz 47
Art Therapy Group Prompts for K/S Level 48
Art Therapy Group Prompts for P/A Level 48
Art Therapy Group Prompts for C/S Level 49
Social Constructivist Theory on Materiality: Moon 49
Art Therapy Prompts for Social Constructivist Group 51
Material Safety 51
The Practice of Choosing Art Materials 53
Socio-Cultural Influences 53
Skill Level 54