The intention of this book is three-fold: to be a supervision handbook for art therapy students; to be a self or peer supervision resource for professional therapists; and to provide a framework for training art therapy supervisors. While the underlying framework is grounded in psychoanalysis and existentialism, the 'Traveler's Guide' introduces a hermeneutic phenomenological method which incorporates social constructivism and metaphor theory. The book covers key aspects of supervision: identifying the principles and goals, discusses different models and techniques, explores the state of mind and attitude of the supervisor, focuses on the awareness of culture, reflects on transference and counter transference dynamics, the supervisee supervisor relationship and the challenges that can emerge. Metaphors weave throughout the book. The journey metaphor of engaging in open ended exploration runs through the chapters with ecological and gardening metaphors sprouting at different points. Written as a 'traveler's guide' the combination of theory and creative activities are intended to deepen the exploration.
The Traveler's Guide will be of value for all counselors and therapists, beginners and professionals. It provides the backbone for understanding the process and a rich resource of art based activities for deepening the supervisee's engagement.