Final answer:
Art therapy traces its professional roots back to several psychological and philosophical contributors, including Sigmund Freud, whose psychoanalytic theories influenced Surrealism, and Carl Jung, whose ideas on archetypes impacted Abstract Expressionism. Additionally, the development of drama therapy through Psychodrama established a precedent for therapeutic art forms.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is believed that the professional roots of art therapy originated from the works of several key figures from various psychological and philosophical backgrounds. Although Sigmund Freud was not an artist, he was instrumental in forming the foundations of modern therapy and the use of psychoanalysis, influencing fields such as Surrealism, where artists manifested the subconscious. This highlights the interplay between psychological exploration and artistic expression. Moreover, Carl Jung's ideas about primitive archetypes influenced Abstract Expressionists, reinforcing the connection between art and the concepts lying within the human psyche.
Additionally, the development of drama therapy through the creation of Psychodrama by J.L. Moreno and Zerka Toeman Moreno demonstrates another historical instance of therapeutic practices drawing from the arts. Furthermore, concepts from Gestalt psychology introduced by figures such as Max Wertheimer emphasize the holistic perception of sensory experiences, relevant to the therapeutic application of art. The collective influence of these diverse theories and disciplines underscores the multidimensional origins of art therapy.