Therapeutic Arts Book & Article Recommendations

13 May

Hi lovely!

Throughout my career, I have come across many incredible books about the Arts, Arts Therapies, and Neuro-affirming practice.

Here is a list of some of my recommended faves, in alphabetical order:

Art Heals: How Creativity Cures the Soul - A truly INCREDIBLE, seminal book for priviledging art therapy and the arts as a soulful, naturally human way to process, express and make sense of our world/experiences. Brimming with beautiful quotes - mine is full of highlighted tabs!
Art Therapy Sourcebook - Seen by many as the bible of Art Therapy, this book offers insights into the history of art therapy, how the creative process links to therapeutic practice, and step by step instructions on setting up the environment, materials, activities etc.
Expressive Therapies Continuum: A Framework for Using Art in Therapy - This book is pricey, but it gives an actual framework on which art materials and processes are best for different needs, situations, assessments and more. I highly recommend this framework!
Fundamental intersectionality of menopause and neurodivergence experiences at work - One of my most-used scientific articles, this maps the overlap between
Is This Autism?: A Guide for Clinicians and Everyone Else - I rave about this book and recommend it to so many parents and late-diagnosed women. Written in 2023 by two clinicians, it outlines often-missed aspects of autism (including strengths and challenges, co-occuring disorders, lived experience), often seen in girls and women. This book is what made me inquire into my own autism diagnosis.
The Artist’s Way - A week-by-week format of activities to get back into your creative flow, and open up opportunities for self-growth and self-discovery.
The Book of Permission - Part journal, part education, part poetic life thesis, this beautiful book features reflections on Nona Orbach’s lived experience as an artist and arts therapist, as well as doodles and colour images on every page. A beautiful journey to experience, giving the reader inspiration and permission to make art an everyday way of living. This was released by the artist, so it can be tricky to get a hold of. Check out Ebay or second hand online book dealers for your copy.
Your Brain on Art - Scientific research about how our brains and bodies transform when we participate in the arts. Fascinating! It also has beautiful, full colour images and illustrations in the centre.