"Art Therapy"

Speakers: Margaret Naumberg, Edith Kramer, Florence Cane

Art in general has therapeutic components.  Art Therapy focuses on the process of making art; art education focuses on the product when making art.  In art therapy, the therapist focuses on the individual and allows them to choose materials and media based on feelings without giving opinions about the individual's choices.  The goal of art therapy is to explore feelings, reconcile conflicts, experience the process, manage behavior, practice social skills and reduce anxiety.  Art made during art therapy is confidential. Art therapy has many approaches, and obviously the therapist's personality is a factor.

Directive Art Therapy                                      Non-Directive Art Theraphy
~is instructional                                                ~gives minimal instructions
~has specific intentions for materials               ~allows free use of materials
~incorporates structured meaning                    ~allows individuals to decide meaning
~is more like education                                    ~utilizes the therapist as a guide

During an art therapy session:
~Stay calm even through anxiety and tantrums.
~Compliment their technique rather than whether it is 'pretty.'
~Talk through conflicts.
~Guide them; walk beside them; even teachers don't know everything.
~Show interest in students.
~Recognize the students' emotional state.
~Set goals.
~Work slowly so you can continue progress.
~Be prepared for the information that the student may share with you.

Ideas:
~Visual Journal
~Scribble Chase (one person scribbles, the other follows)

After an art therapy session, thank people for coming and celebrate the effort.  It takes courage to even put a mark on a page.  Do not focus on quality but celebrate the person trying new materials to make art.