Important Features of Arts Therapies

Because we are describing arts therapies as a distinctive field from other
neighbouring professional areas, it is important to look more closely at the
special features that make the field unique. For example, in the previous
chapter we identified some important aspects of arts therapies definitions
such as the role of the arts, creativity, imagery, symbolism and metaphor,
non-verbal communication, the client–therapist relationship and therapeutic
aims. Given their relevance to the arts therapies field, in this chapter we will
discuss these concepts in more depth, attempting to unfold their meaning,
and present some of their uses within arts therapies. For the discussion of
these concepts we draw primarily upon the arts therapies literature, although
at times, we also make references to relevant sources in the arts, psychotherapy or psychology