We’ve pulled the same stunt as in our previous post. this is not our own work. We found a nifty app that makes historical timelines and this time we fed Art Therapy into it. This was the result, an Art Therapy Timeline. And we think it’s quite good.
A History Timeline About Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a form of therapeutic practice that utilizes the creative process of making art to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. The idea of using art as a therapeutic tool can be traced back to the early 20th century when psychoanalysts like Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud began incorporating artistic expression into their therapy sessions. In the 1940s, Margaret Naumburg, a psychologist, began using art as a form of therapy for children with behavioral and emotional problems. This led to the development of Art Therapy as a distinct profession in the 1960s. Since then, Art Therapy has grown in popularity and is now recognized as a valuable form of therapy for a wide range of mental health issues. Today, Art Therapy is used in many settings, including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices.
Late 18th Century
Early Beginnings
Art therapy can be traced back to the late 18th century when art was used as a treatment for mental illness. In 1764, well-known artist William Hogarth encouraged the use of drawing as a way to understand and express emotions.
Early 20th Century
The Emergence of Art Therapy
The early 20th century saw the emergence of art therapy as a profession. In 1914, artist Adrian Hill used art as a way to cope with his tuberculosis diagnosis. He later went on to work with other patients and established the first art therapy group.
1940s
Art Therapy Goes Mainstream
In the 1940s, art therapy gained recognition as a legitimate form of therapy. The first art therapy graduate program was established at the University of Wisconsin in 1945. Art therapy was also used to treat soldiers returning from World War II who suffered from PTSD.
1960s-1970s
Expansion and Diversification
The 1960s and 1970s saw the expansion and diversification of art therapy. The American Art Therapy Association was established in 1969, and the profession gained recognition in Europe and Asia. Art therapists also began working with a broader range of populations, including children, the elderly, and those with developmental disabilities.
Present Day
Art Therapy Today
Art therapy is now used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and community centres. It has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Art therapists continue to innovate and explore new ways to use art in therapy.
We’ve had Art Therapy available since 2022, so we are at the end of a long and distinguished line!