Bringing together the voices of academics, art psychotherapists, and service users, this unique volume explores the contemporary impact of Edward Adamson’s pioneering work on Art Therapy practices in in-patient settings.

Drawing on both primary and secondary sources, as well as case studies, the book explores the extent to which Adamson’s work has become a conceptual framework for Art Therapy in a variety of in-patient settings today. It describes how practice contributes to the shift in mental health provision towards a trauma informed culture, and represents a research-led rationale for increased and reliable provision of arts therapies in inpatient settings as a vital contribution to patient experience and recovery. Chapters cover key elements such as the open studio model, the role of the art therapist, art therapy as personal narrative, art therapy in forensic settings, and its use in supporting the wellbeing of staff in in-patient settings. The volume locates Adamson’s legacy within a changing health care framework, reflecting on the future of art therapy in the context of evolving government policy, financial restraints, and – in the UK – the changing face of the NHS.

This volume will be of interest to researchers, scholar-practitioners, psychotherapists and postgraduate students in the fields of arts therapies, the history of psychology and mental health provision, and more broadly, mental health nursing and policy. It will give senior leaders an opportunity to understand the contribution of arts therapists to improving quality of care for service users and staff.