The importance of the observation in art therapy:

construction of the therapeutic look from the analysis of the experience as an observer

Abstract

This work seeks an approach to the concept of observation within art therapy practice. The research focuses on the aspects of the observer role that should be integrated into the role of art therapist, to nurture it and to provide the person with tools that allow them to carry out a better practice. To do this, It starts from the analysis of one's own experience during the practices and that of other students as well as professional art therapists, investigating and reflecting on how these different experiences can be taken as a primary source of knowledge to contribute to the improvement of the training of the profession in art therapy. As collection techniques, the field notebook, the interview and the questionnaire are used. Through the triangulation of the data, 6 different categories emerge from this qualitative research (Observation, Supervision, Countertransference, Personal Therapy, Practical Emotions and Facilitating Qualities). Thus, in addition to focusing on observation, the countertransference and transference aspects are also addressed as structural in the proper understanding of the discipline, valuing the supervision and therapy space as a necessary accompaniment to the training and the exercise of the practice. Finally, observation is concluded as essential within the role of art therapist, emphasizing the importance of the student's or professional's own self-observation and emphasizing the review of both terms in the academic training.