An Analytical Review of Kim Berman’s Art Therapy Training in South Africa: Pedagogical Strategies for Social Action During and Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Recent interest amongst local and international art therapists in the expediency of art therapy in the advancement of social justice, has grown. This paper offers a critical review of Kim Berman’s most recent chapter in the Routledge Handbook of Arts and Global Development, published in August 2024. The paper summarises Berman’s pedagogical philosophies of social action within the context of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) pioneering art therapy (AT) programme which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, it offers insights into Berman’s selected methodology and the findings thereof. The paper seeks to provide an overview of Berman’s work, emphasising her contribution to the pedagogy of art therapy and social justice. Limitations are briefly discussed, and suggestions for future investigation offered