Expressive art therapy is the use of artistic modalities, creative process, and aesthetic experience in a therapeutic context. It is an imagination therapy (McNiff, 1992). Effective communication is an essential element in therapeutic relationships, and although verbal language is the most conventional means of conveying information, other forms can convey as much as words. The arts are an alternative form of communication that has recently received recognition for its value in therapeutic contexts. There is a long-established connection between the arts and psychology. Expressive art therapy is based on a natural and complementary relationship between the two disciplines. As a formal therapy, this form is relatively new with its own influences, history, processes, techniques and considerations. In The Third Chimpanzee (2006) Jarred Diamond argues that art as communication is a biological imperative, necessary for survival, with precedents in the animal kingdom. As human life evolves and higher mental functions develop, art takes on more complex meanings. Over 40,000 years ago the cave dwellers of Lascaux created paintings, statues and musical instruments. These are the first indications of the importance of symbolic expression in ritual and reflect the belief that art is magical, can effect change or be transformative. The use of therapies as preventive or restorative treatments has existed since ancient times. Medicine, anthropology and the arts contain many references to the use of expressive modalities for healing purposes. The Egyptians are believed to have encouraged artistic activity in the mentally ill, the Greeks used theater and music for therapeutic purposes, and European Renaissance physicians recognized the effects of... middle of paper... May 30, 2011, from National Coalition of Creative Art Therapies Association: http://www.nccata.org/fact_sheet.htmPierson, M., & Wilson, H. (2009). Exploring art as therapy. In using the expressive arts to work with mind, body, and emotions: Theory and practice (pp. 202-222). Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsly Publishers. Pierson, M., & Wilson, H. (2009). Expressive writing as emotional first aid. In using the expressive arts to work with mind, body, and emotions: Theory and practice (pp. 155-201). Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsly Publishers. Rogers, N. (2004). The Creative Connection: A Holistic Expressive Artistic Process. In S. K. Levine, E. G. Levine, & 4th (Eds.), Foundations of expressive arts therapy: Theoretical and clinical perspectives (pp. 113–132). Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsly Publishers.Wisechild, L. (1991). She who is lost is remembered. Seattle: The Seal Press.