Using technology in art therapy

I’m quite disheartened that most of my research on art therapy and new technologies lies in America rather than the UK (as art therapy varies around the world I would ideally like to find research from the UK). This must be because it is so current but it could be incorporated into the future of the profession. I find the limited research available slightly frustrating however on the bright side this could appear as an advantage as I can, once I qualify, take part in advancing the profession in terms of research. This is an inspiring thought!

I found this article that has opened my eyes in terms of who can benefit from art therapy. So far on the course I have learnt that anyone can benefit from this as long as they can engage with art materials, leading me to think that only people who can physically pick up a pencil reach the benefits. From reading this article however, Parker-Bell (2011) reviews computer programs that enable children who are physically challenged to engage in visual material, meaning that people suffering from disabilities can benefit from art therapy. This hasn’t been mentioned so far in the course but I think it is an area I would like to research into further. If computer programs enable therapeutic communications why can’t the use of a tablet?

I am more interested in the range of materials used by art therapists in more general terms but I would like to research the use of tablets further, as this is a developing area.

Parker-Bell, B (2011) Embracing a Future with Computers and Art Therapy, Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 16:4. 180-185. Available at:https://uhvpn.herts.ac.uk/doi/pdf/10.1080/,DanaInfo=www.tandfonline.com+07421656.1999.10129482 [Accessed 5 January 2014]