สำนักราชบัณฑิตยสภา

271 Lertsiri Bovomkitti วารสารราชบัณฑิตยสถาน ปีที่ ๓๗ ฉบับที่ ๑ ม.ค.-มี.ค. ๒๕๕๕ feature makes communication very flexible. In fact, the patient may communicate with the image itself (creative-expressive dimension) or the patient may communicate with the therapist through the symbolic space of the image (expressive-interactive dimension) or the patient may relate verbally and directly with the person of the art therapist (interactive-analytic dimension). Different art therapy training schools, and different art therapy interventions emphasize and use the three communicative dimensions in different ways. Patients’ creation of visual art, leading to non-verbal self disclosure, helps them get in touch with thoughts and feelings that are hidden from the conscious mind, the discipline of so- called expressive art therapy. As of the present authors’ understanding, art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that developed out of two main roots: art on one side, and psychoanalysis on the other side. It belongs to the group of “expressive-creative therapies” together with music therapy, dance-movement therapy, and drama therapy. Its objectives are both the strengthening of individual creativity and the expression and elaboration of the patients’ thoughts and emotions. On the other hand, the mechanism of art therapy action may be like the psychotherapy methodology of Edna Faa “the long exposure” (9) based on medical practice of homeopathy cum hormesis. Art Therapy in Practice Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses art materials, such as paints, chalk and markers. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process especially the affective proper- ties of different art materials. Nowadays, art therapy is practised in many countries, especially in the West, as an alternative means for treating mentally traumatized persons. The main objectives of treatment are the strengthening of individual creativity and the expression and elaboration of the patients’ thoughts and emotions. The visual arts of drawing and painting are the most commonly practiced; sculpturing is a practical therapeutic form for dealing with blind patients. In order to facilitate the expression of the internal world, art therapy practice involves offering the patient a white page and the freedom to choose any art material, and to work within a silent and peaceful environment. Regarding the art therapeutic process, the three elements, namely, image-making, the elaboration of images, and the relationship with the art therapist, are interconnected. They should never be used in isolation, and none of them