Art Therapy And Children
Introduction
Art therapy is a type of therapy that allows clients to express their thoughts and feelings through art. Art therapy is commonly used for elderly, adolescence, addiction, and other mental and emotional problems. In this report we will focus on the use of Art Therapy with children of domestic violence. We will also identify what Art Therapy, Art Based Assessments and the history of Art therapy.
Art Therapy
Art Therapy is based on the belief that the creative process of art is both healing and life-enhancing. (American Art Therapy Association) This form of expressive therapy uses art materials to help people cope with certain aspects of their life. Art Therapy can include painting, drawing, sculptures, use of colors and symbols to express emotion. Art Therapy can be a positive step towards improving overall well being.
Art Therapy integrates the field of Human Services, visual art, and the creative process with models of counseling and therapy. (American Art Therapy Association) Art Therapy is also a great resource for stress management and many people use art to release stress. Art Therapist are trained in Art as well as Human Services.
History of Art Therapy
In the 1940s Art Therapy became a profession, even though art expression had been used for many years before. In this time therapist became interested in drawings of mental health patients. Also educators learned that children’s drawings seemed to be a sign of emotional expression, growth, and development. As a result of these observations Art Therapy became an effective approach in healing.
Art Based Assessments
. Therapist using Art Therapy must be aware of normal Artistic Development for the age group they are working with. But there are many indicators of emotional suffering in drawings, and many assessment tools professionals use. Art Based Assessments should only be used by a professional Art Therapist that can truly understand the meaning behind the work.
There are many Art...
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