Secrets, symbols, synthesis, and safety: The role of boxes in art therapy

The box is a central part of many art therapy techniques, such as forgettin g boxes and treasure boxes. Though the use of the box in art therapy is pre valent, then is little literature in the field that examines why boxes are such effective art therapy tools. This article integrates the writings of m etaphysicists, art educators, artists, art historians, and art therapists i n an attempt to identify the factors that make the use of the box an effect ive art therapy tool. The use of boxes to enclose and conceal contents, cre ate a new realm of space, and unite opposites makes the box effective in th erapy. Due to the symbolic value of these characteristics, the box has been utilized throughout art history. This presence in art history is one of th e characteristics contributing to the effectiveness of the box as a tool fo r art therapy.