Key Insights from Moon’s Studio Art Therapy

Photo by Matthieu Comoy on Unsplash

The cultivation of an artist’s identity in art therapy begins with attentive, poetic perception of everyday life. As Moon writes, “The world is full of opportunities to hone my artistic sensibilities – to listen for the poetry in casual conversation… to see the visual artistry in what is right in front of me.” This deliberate, sensory-focused presence helps therapists develop empathic observation, which requires both attunement and clear self-boundaries. Empathy, she reminds us, involves “a softening of boundaries… while maintaining an awareness of the differences between self and other.”

Central to this practice is the unlearning of habitual ‘not noticing’. Moon warns that “graciously tolerating certain behaviors by acting as if one doesn’t notice them may… lead to an overall dulling of awareness.” Instead, therapists must shift away from the dominance of purely verbal and analytical thinking and “give greater attention to sensual and intuitive input.”

Cultivating artistic sensibilities is not merely romantic or pleasant. It is disruptive, revealing, and courageous. “Cultivation involves dislodging, turning over, loosening, and experiencing brokenness.” By becoming more attuned, therapists perceive complexity rather than reducing clients to labels. This deeper awareness “promises to open us up to a deeper appreciation of life,” yet also exposes us to unsettling truths—our own and others’.

Moon emphasizes that the therapist must remain a lifelong learner: “The crucial factor is to remain a learner, committed to an ever-developing base of knowledge.” Exposure to diverse art forms plays a key role. We attend performances, visit galleries, and immerse ourselves in artistic environments “in order to be exposed to the effects and influences of art… to comfort, provoke, or soothe us.” Creativity is contagious, and “exposing ourselves to the art of others often is a key ingredient for our own involvement in making art.” This practice not only nourishes creativity but also heightens sensitivity toward art in all its forms.

Art therapists must guard against self-blame regarding their own art practice and instead foster a culture of mutual support. Moon highlights that this support can take many forms—“exhibits of artworks by art therapists… open studios… creative collaborations… artistic exchanges”—all of which strengthen the profession. As Bayles and Orland emphasize, “what separates artists from ex-artists is that those who challenge their fears, continue; those who don’t quit” (p.14). Supporting each other in facing these fears strengthens both individual and collective artistic identity.

Engagement in personal art making is essential. Moon outlines four reasons: “ongoing self-education,” a moral obligation not to ask of clients what we would not do, the maintenance of “authenticity,” and the fact that the profession’s identity is “intimately tied with serious engagement in personal art making.”

Unlike the commercial art world’s focus on the individual creator, art therapy embraces a communal, relational approach. Art is made in the presence of “therapists as guides, witnesses, and companions,” or with clients as “comrades in artistic and therapeutic pursuits.” This challenges the “disconnectedness and separation of the aesthetic from the social” (Gablik, 1991). The field is fundamentally rooted in an ethic of care.

Personal art making helps therapists remain connected to their inner awareness and wisdom, sustaining authenticity in therapeutic relationships. Moon writes that the most significant artistic “gift” is not talent but “a deep, abiding and insistent need to make art,” supported by disciplined practice and trust in the creative process.

Art therapy requires understanding the dialectics of art making—“expression and containment, destruction and creation, control and spontaneity.” Some clients need help freeing their expression; others require more structure. The Expressive Therapies Continuum (Lusebrink, 1990) shows why a purely spontaneous approach is insufficient.

This leads to a central reality of artistic practice: discipline and spontaneity must coexist. Moon notes that perseverance is essential—“if we do not persevere… how can we ask this of our clients?” B. Moon famously states, “once the boundaries have been established the freedom has begun” (1990, p.50). Discipline deepens meaning, builds technical skill, and enhances empathic guidance.

Fear often blocks disciplined engagement. Yet, as Bayles and Orland suggest, “naive passion… becomes – with courage – informed passion,” once we choose to work despite our fears (p.50).

Ultimately, art therapists must integrate art making into their lives in ways that resonate with their personal rhythms and responsibilities. “This is no small challenge!” Moon writes. Discipline requires “commitment of time, energy, and attention,” while recognizing that art practices vary widely—therapy, healing, problem solving, activism, pleasure, and more. Committed art making can take many forms, and each therapist must find the form that aligns with their life.

How to Build Accountability and Support in Your Art Practice

Based on Moon, C. H. (2001). Studio Art Therapy: Cultivating the Artist Identity in the Art Therapist. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

In Studio Art Therapy, Catherine Hyland Moon highlights how essential community and structure are for sustaining a committed art practice. She encourages artists and art therapists to intentionally seek support that keeps them inspired, disciplined, and accountable. Here are practical ways to do that:

1. Find an “art partner.”Schedule regular sessions to sit together and make art. Shared presence builds motivation.

2. Create a small support group.Meet to make art or share work created between meetings.

3. Take an art class.Structured lessons, financial commitment, and a group environment encourage steady practice.

4. Seek an art mentor.Meet regularly for guidance, coaching, or feedback on developing your body of work.

5. Rent a studio space.If space motivates you, invest in a private or shared studio—especially within an artist community.

6. Use structured guidance.Follow books or programs that provide prompts and exercises to keep you creating.

7. Commit to an exhibition.Setting a deadline for a gallery or community show creates a clear goal to work toward.

8. Collaborate with other artists.Join projects like murals, installations, or performance art to expand your practice.

9. Join an art exchange.Swap artworks with artists in other regions, responding creatively to each other’s pieces.

Moon emphasizes that these forms of support not only strengthen personal artistic growth but also deepen the collective identity of art therapists.

Reference:Moon, C. H. (2001). Studio Art Therapy: Cultivating the Artist Identity in the Art Therapist. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. ProQuest Ebook Central.