Queer Worldmaking in Art Therapy: Theory and Praxis

Front Cover
Zachary D. Van Den Berg
Taylor & Francis, Jun 12, 2026 - Psychology - 440 pages

This book actively challenges the constraints imposed by dominant cis-heteronormative paradigms and advocates for a dynamic and fluid understanding of identity and healing, framing social justice and liberation as indispensable components of therapeutic practice.

Each chapter investigates queer and trans epistemologies—ways of knowing, feeling, and imagining—that destabilize conventional therapeutic approaches. It provides adaptive and practical strategies for incorporating queer worldmaking into art therapy, thereby transforming therapeutic environments to be more inclusive, affirming, and just. Through detailed case studies and real-world applications, the book showcases innovative strategies that advocate for an expanded professional practice that honors the vibrant diversity of LGBTQIA+ identities.

By equipping art therapists with tools for active allyship and ethical care, Queer Worldmaking in Art Therapy aims to catalyze a shift towards more equitable therapeutic landscapes for all.

 

Selected pages

Contents

List of Figures and Tables
Acknowledgments
CisHeterosexist Epistemological Foundations in 20th
A Comic
Art Activism and Community
Queer Worldmaking for Gender Emergence across the Lifespan
Sexual Identity Development and Becoming
Art Therapy with Queer Individuals with Disabilities
The Intersection of Queer and Kinky Worlds in Art Therapy
LGBTQIA+ Intimate Partner Violence and Queer TraumaInformed Art Therapy
Family Art Therapy with Transgender Gender NonConforming and Queer
Application of the Creative Arts Therapies in Identity Development
A Queer Harm Reduction Perspective on Working
Queer Worldmaking
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students
Exploring Spiritual and Religious Worlds in Art Therapy for Queer Trans

Queer and Living
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Older Adults in Art Therapy
Queering Group Art Therapy or Why I Hate Groups
Diversity in Relational Structures
Queering Multiple Relationships in Small Communities
Localized Queer Art Therapy in a Global Context
Index
Copyright

Other editions - View all

Queer Worldmaking in Art Therapy: Theory and PRAXIS
Zachary D. Van Den Berg
No preview available - 2026
Queer Worldmaking in Art Therapy: Theory and PRAXIS
Zachary D Van Den Berg
No preview available - 2026

Common terms and phrases

ableism addiction affirming approach art interventions artmaking artwork asexual BDSM behaviors Berg bisexual body challenges chronic illness cis-heteronormative cisgender clients clinical color complex connection context create creative arts therapies cultural disability diverse dynamics embodied emotional engage ethical explore expression feel fostering frameworks gender identity group art therapy harm reduction healing heteronormative impact integration internalized intersectional intersectionality intersex interventions Journal kink lesbian LGBTQ+ LGBTQIA+ LGBTQIA+ community lived experiences marginalized mental health minority stress models multiple narratives navigating norms offer oppression pansexual perspectives polyamorous practice professional psychedelic psychological Psychotherapy QTBIPOC queer and trans queer communities queer identity queer individuals queer theory queer worldmaking reclaim reflect relational relationships resilience role self-compassion sessions sexual and gender sexual identity shaped shared social societal space spiritual structures survivors symbolic systemic TGNC and queer therapeutic therapists transformation transgender transphobia trauma treatment understanding visual

About the author (2026)

Zachary D. Van Den Berg, MA, LPC, ATR-BC (they/he), is an art therapist, scholar, and founder of the Coalition for Queer Creative Arts Therapies Inc. in Austin, Texas, United States.

Bibliographic information

TitleQueer Worldmaking in Art Therapy: Theory and Praxis
EditorZachary D. Van Den Berg
PublisherTaylor & Francis, 2026
ISBN104065469X, 9781040654699
Length440 pages
Subjects ›  › 

Literary Criticism / Semiotics & Theory
Medical / Allied Health Services / Occupational Therapy
Psychology / Psychotherapy / General
Social Science / Social Work
  
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