Breakthrough Moments in Arts-Based Psychotherapy

Aileen Webber is a Gestalt and Integrative Arts Psychotherapist who works with children and adults as a therapist and supervisor. She has a private arts-based psychotherapy practice in Cambridge. Her work has been inspired by four years of Gestalt Psychotherapy training with Helen McLean in Cambridge and four years training at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education in London. Prior to working as a psychotherapist she worked as a teacher of children with physical, emotional and learning difficulties and as an adviser and consultant to others working with children.

'Aileen Webber has written a wonderful book, which explains the power of using the arts in psychotherapy and personal development. It is a treasure trove of practical techniques, inspiring stories, and incisive illustrations. The book convincingly links the arts and the sciences - showing how the human brain is supported, nourished, and developed by the use of symbol and story. I thoroughly recommend this book.'- Jenny Mackewn, creative catalyst, consultant, and trainer in organisational, community and environmental development'This is a must-read book for those interested in the impact of creative and arts-based interventions in individual psychotherapy. Aileen Webber writes in an accessible way with a voice of personal and theoretical integration and in a spirit of curiosity, respect and wonder.'- Anna Chesner, UKCP registered psychodrama and group analytic psychotherapist and supervisor; co-director of the London Centre for Psychodrama Group andIndividual Psychotherapy'The purpose of Aileen Webber's book is to reflect deeply on important breakthrough moments in arts-based psychotherapy. In this she draws on a wide pool of knowledge in the neurological and physical sciences, as well as her extensive practical experience. As a theoretical physicist, I am extremely impressed with how accurately and appropriately she uses illuminating mechanisms and analogies to understand these pivotal moments. Her many stories are truly touching, and her success impressive.'- Volker Heine, FRS, theoretical physicist, fellow of Clare College and Emeritus Professor at Cavendish Laboratories (Physics Department), University of Cambridge

• Prologue , Setting the Scene , The first breakthrough , Mapping the landscape , The power of using the arts , Exploring the Present Moment , The present moment , The therapeutic relationship , Therapist–Client–Art Relationship , The role of the therapist , The role of the client , Art-images and the art-experience , Turning to the Sciences , Inside the brain , Chaos and complexity , The quantum world , The End of the Journey , Stories and dreams , Conclusion , Epilogue