Art Therapy: A Transdisciplinary Approach
Abstract Historically, art therapy has struggled to clearly define itself as a profession while simultaneously embracing the range of perspectives and knowledge that contribute to clinical practices. In this brief report the author suggests that by shifting the conceptualization of the field from "interdisciplinary" to "transdisciplinary," art therapists will find clarity and strength without needing a new definition or ways of practicing. When examined from a transdisciplinary perspective, the definition of art therapy is not limited by conceptual perspectives or compartmentalized by theoretical approaches. A transdisciplinary perspective embraces diversity, flexibility, and innovation while offering a sense of autonomy, inclusion, and collaboration for the field. This report outlines the characteristics of a transdisciplinary perspective and demonstrates that when we look through a transdisciplinary lens, art therapy as it stands today is a well defined and vibrant field.