So what is this map all about?
I designed the Arts Therapy Ecology map as a reflective tool to help us situate ourselves, as practitioners, within the broader landscape of the Arts Therapy field. This idea has arisen from my own reflections on our profession, and recognising that our field comprises of many unique practitioners who work in diverse ways (often shaped by context, intention, skills, and areas of interest). As many of us work visually and metaphorically, I also felt that a map could be a useful way to explore these ideas more.
I have long held the belief that together we form an incredibly robust ecology, and, in the current climate, feel it is particularly useful to recognise how we all play a part within it. I hope this map encourages us to think of the Arts Therapy field as a broader system, and that, whether or not our work is recognised or highly visible, we all play an important part in the overall ecology. At the same time, some practitioners might also notice that, right now, the ground beneath their feet feels a less stable than it has in a while. I have written a brief reflection to acknowledge this here: Shifting Sand Dunes
This Ecology Map is primarily offered as a reflective (and orienting) resource for Arts Therapy practitioners. It hasn’t been designed to be a comprehensive model or a substitute for clinical supervision. If you enjoy exploring this map, please feel free to explore these ideas further through supervision or in conversation with peers
The Arts Therapy Ecology Map
This map is intended to reflect how Arts Therapy practice is inhabited day to day. It hopes to honour your lived and embodied experience as a practitioner, and deeply trusts in your navigation skills to find what you need…
Welcome, Traveller- Your Journey Starts here!
Welcome to your journey through the Arts Therapy Ecology Map.
At anytime, to navigate back to the map, just follow the floating ‘Bush Track Marker’
Step 1: Explore the Terrains
Click on any terrain on the map to explore the different environments in which your practice may not only survive, but thrive. Each terrain reflects a unique area of Arts therapy practice within the broader ecosystem. No terrain is more valid or important than another. Each terrain works alongside and supports the others, and the whole, much like an ecosystem, operates in the natural world!
As you move around the map, you might notice that you inhabit more than one of these terrains or species- perhaps even simultaneously. This may also shift over time, which is unsurprising given that terrains in the wild also change and species often migrate…
Step 2: Find your Species
Once you have explored the terrains, it is time for you to find which species you resonate with. These species can be found in the terrains you visit, along with short descriptions. These species are intended to be a useful way for you to reflect on your own attributes, styles, and relational tendencies in your work - but they are by no means exclusive - perhaps you’d even like to create a totally different species that suit you?
You can also visit all the species in one place HERE
Step 3: Create Your Own Tool Jar
Finally, now it’s time to choose the materials that may best support your practice. I hope this ‘Tool Jar’ will become a personalised collection of tools, materials, and practices that will help you work on the terrains and with the species you feel you align with. To create your jar- simply click on the button above, printout the contents and create your jar - old school collage style! You can then keep this jar for ongoing reflection and action…
Bonus Section: When you click on to the ‘Create your own Tool Jar’ page, keep an eye out for some bonus resource links from the field!
Not sure where you fit? Explore the Ecotone
In the natural world, an ‘ecotone’ is an ecologically rich transition zone between ecosystems. If you feel unsure about where you fit on the ‘Ecology Map’ , this is a space that includes prompts and activities to help you explore the intersections of your work and perhaps reflect on your next steps. Click on the ‘ecotone’ portal below to explore more.
Important Note: Holders of Culture
Within our field, some practitioners may recognise themselves as holders of culture. Cultural holding reflects ways of working that are inherently shaped by culture and lineage, as well as community responsibility- and it is always context-specific. Not all practitioners will carry this role, but for those who do- they might notice it is present across all terrains. It is important to acknowledge, this role cannot be assumed or adopted.
