Broadly, this comprehensive book provides an introduction into understanding the influence a particular environment has on the approach one uses for novice as well as for experienced clinicians interested in using art in therapy. Thirty-three chapters are divided into seven parts: art therapy and culture; the culturally-sensitive art therapist; the practice of culturally-based art therapy in education settings; understanding the cultural implications of art therapy in hospital and rehab setting; cultural perspectives; using art therapy in outpatient treatment setting; cultural influences in community-based art therapy; and cultural implications for art therapy in unique populations. The editors and contributors define the history of art therapy, how it works and highlights different diagnostic techniques. They examine the uses of materials, the therapeutic relationship, color and the connection between culture, science, and art, awareness of race and culture issues. They describe working with autistic children, and adolescents, and discuss the medical setting, such as eating disorders, out-patient programs, and dealing with grief and loss. Finally, they tackle the subject of the anti-therapeutic environment prisons--and art therapy, the disadvantaged, and orphans. They target art therapists in the US, and those beginning programs worldwide, interested students, as well as those for whom English is a second language. There are a multitude of black-and-white and color figures, and 13 appendixes. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)