Introduction

ABSTRACT

The introduction sets the scene for the book and considers why ideas from studio art therapy are particularly relevant for today's art therapists. A studio may be more than a space apart from life, shifting towards something accessible and rooted in the heart of community life, which is highlighted in the writing of our three North American authors. Other contributors explore the contextual changes that have brought about new ways of working. Indeed, much of the innovative work described in the book has arisen in response to human suffering brought about by changing social, political, and economic situations. The impact of neoliberal policies of austerity on the economies of caring professions, a swing away from emphasis on psychoanalytic ideas and a turning back to the healing power of art in art therapy, pressures to align with scientific models, a growing need for approaches that can meet current market expectations are all areas of interest. The studio as a physical space has been challenged during the global COVID-19 pandemic and exploring what constitutes a studio has become more pressing with online work. Chapters are signposted and key findings that emerge from the writing are summarised. © 2022 Taylor and Francis.