Professional Considerations for Art Therapists Supporting the Work of People With Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

Therapeutic services for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) often follow a medicalized narrative, focusing on treatment of the individual without attending to social and political factors. Drawing from disability theory and relational framework, art therapists can address and rebalance the therapeutic relationship. Three professional considerations for art therapy practice with people with ID are: (1) respecting autonomy and advocacy, (2) fostering reciprocal trust, and (3) honoring boundaries regarding space and time.

Keywords:

• Intellectual disability
• art therapy
• disability studies
• therapeutic relationships

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sara Michelle Miller

Sara Michelle Miller, MA, ATCS, LCPC, is a PhD Candidate, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL.

Julie Ludwick

Julie Ludwick, MA, ATR-BC, LCPC, is an art therapist at Equestrian Connection, Lake Forest, IL. She also has a private practice in Chicago, IL.

Cassandra Colucy Krcmar

Cassandra Colucy Krcmar, MACAT, LPC, is an art therapist at an I/DD nonprofit and Adjunct Faculty at Adler University, Chicago, IL.