Abstract
Ethics go beyond conservative principles for true ideals. Ethics are our assumptions
and reasoning about morals. As master’s level art therapy students and professionals we must
always be clear about our biases to provide quality mental health care to our clients. Entering
the art therapy field as a master’s level graduate may be an overwhelming experience if
proper training and guidance of ethical principles are not known or addressed adequately.
Because all art therapists will have to deal with ethical issues, there may be a need for
alternative ways to study ethics. By enhancing awareness, knowledge and practicing
solutions to ethical issues, art therapists will be able to adequately work through ethical
dilemmas. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of ETHICS: An Art Therapy Game of
Truths as an experiential learning tool in teaching and applying the art therapy ethical
principles. The efficiency of the game was measured by observation notes and the
completion of self-report evaluations provided before and after each research session.
The pilot study consisted of both master’s level students and professionals as
participants. There were a total of eight participants and three two hour research sessions
conducted. Sessions were coordinated on the basis of participant availability. The results of
the pilot study concluded that the game, based on self-report evaluations, had increased the
participants’ awareness to deal with ethical issues pertaining to the art therapy profession and
improved their knowledge of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) code of ethics.
