Two years since his last volume of writings (No New Notifications) Bennyness returns with just as much cynicism, confusion, hope and self-deprecation as before. However, this time there is a darkness beginning to break through as Bennyness lives two years of his life moving houses, fighting the mumps, misplacing his affection again, enjoying (and sometimes not enjoying) music, being embarrassed by his sister and wishing for a simpler life.

First published in 1988. Child therapists have long been fascinated by children's human figure drawings and what they reveal about self-image, feelings, and' family relation­ ships. Now this comprehensively researched volume provides a valuable introduction to using children's human figure drawings as projective measures in a variety of settings. The principles for interpreting drawings, as well as general and specific indicators, are illustrated in 85 children's drawings. Part I on The Theory deals with the background of projective psychology, discussing art as a projective technique and emphasizing that all behavior, including drawings, reflects personality, attitudes and values. The authors examine the major methods of obtaining diagnostic information and recommend the use of several methods for best results. Part II on The Application examines in detail the projective use of children's human figure drawings to evaluate personality, relationships (particularly in families), group values, and attitudes. In each area, research is presented, directions for administration of various tests are given, and guidelines for interpretation are offered. Significant factors are revealed in numerous children's drawings, accompanied by clinical comments. Of special interest is the presentation of original research on group values among Canadian Indian (Saskatchewan Cree) children and on attitudes of young children toward teachers, doctors and other authority figures as revealed in human figure drawings. For psychologists, social workers, teachers and other child-care professionals, as well as students in these fields, this is an indispensable basic guide to interpreting human figure drawings.

Why does a person draw? To fill the void left by a mother who died too young and too quickly? That may be part of it. But not only. For Joann Sfar, author of The Rabbi’s Cat series and many other celebrated graphic works, drawing is as much a religion as it is a human science – an activity whereby the artist both observes the world and confronts it. But what drawing also makes possible is to leave the world for a while and invent it anew. From the death of his mother to how to get published, Joann Sfar plumbs the depths of his life with the sincerity, humor, and passion for which he is widely known.

Every person who goes through the emotional and physical upheaval of cancer has a story. Most, however, do not write it down. In this remarkable collection of poems, Judith Bynum has shared a bit of her soul. In the midst of her pain and suffering of cancer, she expresses hanging questions, lingering doubts, and uncertain futureswhat most people cannot easily verbalize. When she felt her worst, the verses came rumbling and tumbling out of her in the wee hours of the morning, calming the pain in the process. The poems were her ladder out of the hole. In times when she felt her faith and hope slipping, the poetry helped her look up, and there was God, always near. The power of the poems is that they were written in the midst of the pain, not afterward, looking back. Judiths ability to express herself will hopefully help a cancer victim who is struggling to find the right words. That in itself is powerful. Sharing her weaknesses and vulnerabilities is what makes these poems real. Often she offers a humorous view of the trials of cancer and the changes it wreaks on the body and spirit. There is no resignation or acquiescence in the words, both of which are seen often among those who are struggling; instead, there is acceptance and surrender. In the midst of her questions and pains, her faith shines through. This powerful book will inspire readers to remember that God is always near.

Clinicians are always in need of enticing techniques to engage clients on a daily basis, especially those who are nonverbal or initially opposed to feedback. Using Drawings in Clinical Practice provides a rich variety of drawing directives to enhance the diagnostic process. In this highly illustrated text, clinicians will discover the tools they need to interact effectively with their clients. The book places special emphasis on intake interviewing and psychological testing, where the potential for uncovering hidden conflicts and therapeutic direction is especially poignant. Case studies provide a comprehensive overview of how to introduce simple drawings and gain remarkable insights. Using Drawings in Clinical Practice is a crucial guidebook for professionals who seek new ways to facilitate meaningful communication and interactions in their practice settings.

This volume presents perspectives of creative arts therapies approaches in adoption and foster care. Creative arts therapists will find this collection to be of particular relevance, but the intention is to also introduce this subject to a wide range of clinicians, including those in the associated professions of social work, counseling, psychology, psychiatry, nursing, teaching, and related fields. The chapters refer specifically to the development and contemporary application of creative arts therapies approaches in adoption and foster care. The chapters reflect the ways in which creative arts therapies can be applied in different settings, and represent the spectrum of ideas in current practice. The first seven chapters focus on adoption and present theoretical perspectives on adoption adjustment that include psychodynamic, attachment, social role, family systems, stress and coping, object relations, trauma, cognitive-behavioral, and biological perspectives. A variety of psychological constructs are explored, such as trust attachment, abandonment, rejection, self-esteem, identity integration, grief, and loss. These chapters also reflect types of work with specific adoption populations, including international and transracial. Individual, group, and family therapy formats are outlined. Approaches to treatment including art, drama, music, play, and sand tray therapy are presented predominantly in case study format. In some cases, diagnosis and assessment are discussed. In Part Two, the five chapters that focus on foster care explore the creative arts therapist’s role in the social system; attachment and foster care research; issues such as self-esteem, boundaries, guilt, shame, loss, ambivalence, aggression, splitting, rejection, trauma; themes of abuse and neglect, resilience. and behavioral and emotional disturbances. Five chapters exploring transcultural and transracial issues are the focus of Part Three. This book will help meet a demand for ideas and practical information about this topic on the part of an audience reaching beyond the creative arts therapies.

Drawing expert Jake Spicer introduces you to the most important skill in the artist's repertoire: life drawing. From understanding relationships and proportions and considering basic anatomy, to learning about mark-making and tonal values, Jake takes you through the process of drawing the most rewarding of subjects: life class remains a key component of nearly every art degree in the UK. With step-by-steps and techniques derived from his proven life-class methods, Jake gives you the skills to create beautiful life drawings quickly, successfully and, ultimately, in only 15 minutes.

First Published in 1987. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.