Jungian theory and its use in art therapy in the viewpoints of Israeli Jungian art therapists

The present study explored Jungian art therapists’ perceptions of Jungian theory (JT) and its use in art therapy (AT). Fifteen experienced Israeli Jungian art therapists took part in semi-structured interviews. The findings describe the participants’ conceptualizations of the Jungian approach as it is evolving within AT. Thematic analysis yielded two main dimensions: (1) JT and its uses by art therapists and (2) clinical implications, leading to distinct interplay of JT and AT practice. The therapeutic processes and considerations underlying these themes are affected by JT, which assumes that the client constructs meaning unconsciously and through symbolic processes. The findings point to the importance of understanding the role of theoretical models in art therapists’ perceptions and their ways of participating in therapeutic process.