Wrapping things up: Ending art therapy with two adults with learning disabilities

Abstract

This paper explores the art therapy ending process for two adults with learning disabilities, Gavin and Megan (both pseudonyms). In particular, it considers a tension that develops between ending and the emergence of a new beginning suggesting that this tension can sometimes be captured within the art work. This paper also looks at the use of objects within these two case examples and the way they are endowed with psychic meaning and vitalized.

Keywords:

• Learning disabilities
• vital objects
• ending
• tension
• beginning

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Stan Roman, my supervisor, for helping me to understand and articulate these cases. I would also like to thank Neil Springham, Steve Cavill and Margaret Hill for their advice and support.