| This cross-sectional study investigated the conditions associated with psychologists', social workers', art therapists', and other mental health counselors' perceptions of the use of art in therapy, and the profession of art therapy. This was accomplished by means of a 13-item survey of 530 Kentucky psychologists, social workers, and other masters level mental health professionals, and Kentucky, Ohio, and Florida art therapists.;The results found that with the exception of art therapists there was no difference in mental health professionals' familiarity with art therapy. The four mental health professions did significantly differ in their use of a client's drawing brought into therapy. Differences were found in professionals' choices to use a client's drawing for interpretation of symbols, expression of feelings, exploration of media choice, evaluation of self-concept, treatment planning and rehabilitation interventions, and on how much the use of art enhances the quality of mental health counseling.;All mental health professionals studied chose similar goals for the use of art in therapy and for the unique contributions of art therapy to the practice of mental health counseling. Similarities were also discovered in professionals' choices as to what contributed to the quality of current art therapy research. The findings of the study point to both similarities and unique differences in the perceptions of Kentucky, Ohio, and Florida mental health professionals regarding the image of art in therapy as well as the profession of art therapy. |
