Best practice for the use of clay in therapy – a thoughtful and practical guide: Ying Wang talks to Theresa Van Lith

In this fascinating conversation with JoCAT editor Ying Wang, Theresa van Lith from LaTrobe University discusses a pilot research study into the use of clay that she conducted with Caitlin Beale. The paper written from that study: A grounded theory exploration of sensory and kinaesthetic engagement with clay was published in JoCAT in May 2025. The conversation explores earlier research that Theresa undertook while working in the USA, which explored the use of clay in mindfulness-based art therapy. Her ongoing interest in the importance of understanding the particular qualities of clay as a therapeutic medium has led to this pilot study, and also to ideas for future research which are discussed in the podcast. Theresa also expands on the importance of understanding the differences between different types of clay and offers advice for therapists about how to engage clients in meaningful conversations about their experiences with their clay engagement. Listeners interested to find the observational checklists mentioned here can access them in the article.