Formative Evaluation Research of Art-Based Supervision in Art Therapy Training

Image making is a common component of art therapy supervision but its use has not yet been formally evaluated. This article describes formative evaluation research used to investigate student responses to art-based supervision in which response art was used as a primary method to contain, explore, or express clinical work. Art-based supervision, as provided by one art therapy supervisor teaching in a graduate art therapy training program, was evaluated by 19 students in 3 consecutive semesters. Quantitative and qualitative data indicated general agreement that art-based supervision is a useful method. Specific examples of response art in supervision are provided.