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Introduction to Art Therapy: Faith in the Product, 3rd Edition (Introduction à l'art-thérapie : la foi dans le produit, 3e édition) by Bruce L. Moon

proven couples therapy, art therapy and ecosystemic sex therapy techniques. Ecosystemic refers to all aspects of the self in relation to one’s social context. Each individual is subject to unique familial, cultural, political, psychological, and biological constructs that underpin one’s beliefs about sex. Metzl addresses how art can enhance the experience of creating a genogram, an assessment tool used to capture the various ecosystems: “Because it is inherently a visual-motor task, constructing a genogram is an intervention that could easily be expanded to introduce different art media (paint, collage, clay) to expand parts or all of the genogram” (p. 9). The author continues with an explanation of how art making deepens the potential for integration: “For example, creating a genogram with art making allows the client to return to the same piece and alter it, and when examining it through a new lens, create a new rendition of it—thus allowing for comparison of how the client sees his/her sexuality similarly and differently between the systems in which he or she lives” (p.10). Throughout the text theories and approaches are followed by case studies, including reproductions of clients’ art, which offer models for practice. Metzl reflects upon art and sex within the contexts in which they exist. One chapter focuses on a historical review of how sexual images have manifested in culture. With this, Metzl declares that it makes sense for illustrations to be used as a medium for “potent and intuitive” explorations of one’s sexuality (p. 27). Another examines the many external influences that contribute to our understanding and experience of sexuality and why it is important for these considerations to be investigated and understood by the therapist. Other examples include observations on the shame linked with gender conformity that clients face and in several cases neurophysiological (mind–body) explanations are offered to explain why art therapy is effective in exploring and addressing sexual issues. She offers a case study that demonstrates how art making can help clients become more aware of mind–body connections and a safe place to contain physical and emotional reactions. Metzl asserts that “through art making (internal processing) and external dialogue (about the art, the abuse, sexual desires, and challenges), a healthier narrative is supported by facing, gradually desensitizing, and physically integrating the trauma, while examining core beliefs and the client’s creative and resilient core self” (p. 105). Metzl discusses why art therapy is relevant and useful and how “even art therapists who do not wish to operate as sex therapists or specialize in this topic can and should consider the ways that the art interventions they already use might support clients’ well-being while they more directly acknowledge their clients sexuality” (p. 6). It is recommended that art therapists enhance competencies by increasing their comfort levels regarding sexuality while also seeking professional development training in the area of sex therapy. Due to the layout, When Art Therapy Meets Sex Therapy is useful to read from cover to cover and use as a reference resource. The book opens with an outline of each chapter, which helps identify sections of the book offering specific information on gender issues, sexual abuse, working with couples, and helping parents to discuss sex with their children. The book is divided into parts. The first addresses the benefits of using art to explore sexuality; the second focuses on applications in practice and contains a blend of theories and interventions from the art therapy and sex therapy fields followed by case studies. These chapters also contain useful summaries. Numerous resources and interventions are included. For this reason, I recommend one be prepared to make note of these as you traverse the text. Overall I found When Art Therapy Meets Sex Therapy to be a masterful integration of theory and practice from two dynamic fields of study. It advances the art therapy profession by drawing attention to an important and potentially overlooked area of expertise, and it likely offers similar value to the field of sex therapy. It is important to note that this book touches on many sexuality themes, but additional reading and training are necessary given the vastness of this field and the unique circumstances of each individual seeking art therapy.