[Title translated. Publication only available in German]
Editor: Anthrosocial (2025)
2024 marked the 100th anniversary of anthroposophic curative education and social therapy. The movement is undergoing dynamic social change and professional discourse, which has brought to light new aspects of its objectives and led to new methodological development. This necessitates continual adaptation of the foundational ideas and reviewing their relevance in today’s world.
In 2018, Anthrosocial (the Swiss association for curative education and social therapy) initiated the publication of a series of booklets hat offer an introduction to anthroposophic curative education and social therapy and that reflect the current discourse.
This publication is dedicated to anthroposophic art therapy and describes its many areas of application and its therapeutic effectiveness. The booklet explores both its theoretical foundations and its practical aspects and impressively demonstrates how art therapy processes can contribute to healing, the balancing of imbalances, and self-development in various contexts.
The presentation of the various therapies, including painting and sculpture, music, speech and movement therapies, offers both specialists and interested laypersons an informed overview of these art-based therapies. Their close connection with Anthroposophic Medicine and their integration in a holistic understanding of the human being are presented, making this publication an important source for anyone wanting to explore complementary medicine approaches.
Strengths
One of this publication’s strengths is its successful combination of theoretical explanations and examples of practical applications. The informative case study at the beginning of the booklet is of particular note, as it clearly illustrates how art therapy has helped a young man rediscover his sense of self-efficacy. The effects of a combination of biography work, therapeutic support and artistic expression give an impressive example of the profound potential of art therapy.
The publication clearly outlines the different art therapy disciplines and describes their specific areas of application. It emphasizes the fact that art therapy should not be confused with a purely artistic activity, but is rather a targeted therapeutic tool for overcoming psychological, emotional and physical challenges. Importantly, the text makes the connection to the essential components of the human organism and its functional threefold nature as described by Rudolf Steiner, which offers a differentiated perspective on the effects of the therapies.
Another important feature is the inclusion of information on the scientific foundation of art therapy. Barbara Steinmann cites various studies and research results that prove the effectiveness of art therapy approaches. This strengthens the credibility of this form of therapy and makes the publication more interesting for specialists in conventional medicine.
Two brief interviews with psychiatrists experienced in working with people with special needs complement the author’s presentation and round out the contents of the booklet.
Conclusion
This publication is a valuable and well-founded resource that comprehensively highlights the significance of art therapy in an anthroposophic context. It provides insight for both social work specialists and interested laypersons into the many possibilities of artistic therapy approaches. Its clear structuring of the individual disciplines and supporting content for the art therapy methods is especially noteworthy.
Anyone interested in anthroposophic art therapy will find it a thorough and in-depth presentation of both theoretical principles and practical examples. It is a valuable contribution toward expanding recognition of artistic therapies as serious therapeutic tools.
