Engaging ethical decision making in Art Therapy practice

The Conference proceedings' website is located at http://www.xcdsystem.com/aata2013/proceedings/prof134.htmlTheme: Art Therapy: Connecting Visual Expression & HealingAlthough increasingly associated with professional protection from liability, at their core ethical principles are meant to guide professionals in their work, describe minimal standards of practice and promote critical reflection. While all professional associations have their own ethical codes, what they have in common are basic pillars related to upholding autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficience, justice and fidelity (Welfel, 1998). Knowing how to best practice these ideals in the regular course of art therapy can be confusing and uncertain. Unlike other mental health professionals, art therapists must constantly determine where art making and images factor into ethical practice. Whereas an art therapist uncertain of …postprin

Art Therapy ethical practice and multicultural/diversity competence

The Conference proceedings' website is located at http://www.xcdsystem.com/aata2013/proceedings/prof108.htmlTheme: Art Therapy: Connecting Visual Expression & HealingThe United States Census (2010) confirms a shift from a nation that is primarily White, from Western European backgrounds, to a country in which the majority of residents are from visible racial ethnic, and non-English speaking backgrounds (D’Andrea & Arrendondo, 2002). Consequently, this shift implies art therapists will be challenged to become expert in culturally congruent treatment. The American Art Therapy Association’s Ethical Principles for Art Therapists (2011) Section 6.0 serves …postprin

Ethical decision-making when faced with uncertainty

Panels: ET5179The Ethics Committee continues to receive inquiries best described as characteristic of the gray areas of ethical art therapy practice. The American Art Therapy Association’s Ethical Principles for Art Therapists (2011) serves as a guide for our professional conduct, however, ethical dilemmas continue to arise as advances in the practice of art therapy evolve. “Ethical decision-making is a complex process, even in the abstract” (Remley & Herlihy, 2007, p. 357), which raises the stakes on ethical decisions that impact client welfare and art therapy professional conduct. This year the Ethics Committee panel will present information relative to topical inquiries specific to challenges, which influence personal and organizational ethical …link_to_OA_fulltex