Art Therapy Argumentative Essay

According to Naumburg (1966), the process of art therapy is based on one’s fundamental thoughts and feelings that are obtained from the unconscious and often express in images rather than in words. Understanding the techniques of art therapy are based on every individual’s knowledge that whether trained or untrained in art, the individual all have a unconscious ability to project inner thoughts or conflicts into images. In other words, everyone does not have to be a skilled artist to do art therapy; any form of art is acceptable. For example: scribbling on a piece of paper can be art therapy because the act of scribbling transforms the unconscious thought into an image. (Naumburg, 1966).

Disability brings problems to schools too causing the child to be disadvantaged. These could include lack of specialist staff or poor staff knowledge which can lead to lack of socialisation and integration into the school.

Art as a therapeutic method was my primary focus throughout the psychology program at Ryerson University. I am familiar with much research regarding art therapy for mental disorders such as depression

Revised Thesis Statement: Incorporating therapeutic art-based interventions effectively develops coping skills, self expression, open communication, and begins the healing process for children who have experienced

When children are presented with Art Therapy, it may be geared towards creative style and imagination.

Fard, Farah Joan. "The expanding reach of art therapy: though it's a relatively new approach to mental health treatment, art therapy is gaining traction and making a difference in people's lives." Art Business News, Winter 2015, p. 34+. Fine Arts and Music Collection, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=PPFA&sw=w&u=hillsbor&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA436797590&it=r&asid=1bc151430b53c85d758e9329f6ecf46a. Accessed 22 Nov. 2017.

What do I imagine, assume or know about becoming an Art Therapist, I imagine that this career will be rewarding. I assume that training is necessary. I know hard work is important. Through my research, it is my goal to discover if this is the right job for me. I envision that becoming Art Therapist will be difficult.

Stories and illustrative examples of art-based interventions provided evidence-based approaches using art therapy to heal the children of trauma. There are connections between what the art revealed and how it opened up a line of communication for the child and adult. Art benefited the child by providing a medium to express and communicate the traumatic experiences. It also helped a child seek self-development, reduce physical stress, and improve methods of dealing with traumatic memories. Art therapy also benefited the teacher by providing meaningful approaches to address the child, ask questions, build a trusting relationship, and develop further healing approaches.

· The Act for Kids Art Therapy works closely with young students who are abused and neglected. The team consists of dedicated professionals, which involves an Act for Kids psychologist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist and teachers. The art and play therapy sessions helps students to verbalise and further understand their feelings, for example 4-year-old Lacey Jane who was neglected by her mother showed complex behavioural and emotional issues. She joined the Act for Kids Early Education Program Kindergarten where she gained a sense of trust through safe learning after several months of intensive therapy (Act For Kids, 2014). Overall, the Act for Kids Art Therapy assists students who struggle

Art therapy is something that is used to help cope and overcome troubling situations in life. Art allows people to experience the relaxation of the muscles (Alban) and nerves while calming him/her down, and allowing them to gain full or almost full control over their life and emotions. Art is a way of subcontiousaly expressing emotions that were ignored or suppressed; art allows people to express themselves. Then once it becomes prominent, art therapy becomes a way to learn more about one’s self and it can also help heal mental issues or handicaps that have not been

Not much has been written about the use of expressive arts in existential practice. “Pat Allen, one of the founders of the open studio approach to art therapy… decided to experiment with having people make art alongside each other and be of service to each other during the process, hence the Open Studio Approach” (Story, 2007). This approach is based upon three elements; intention, attention and witness (Story, 2007).

However, art therapy is typically the most in psychiatric wards, either individually or in groups. It is currently emerging is family art therapy, and used a lot in the education system, focusing on children who are learning disabled, mentally challenged, emotionally disturbed, socially disadvantaged. According to the AATA, art therapy is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational, forensic, wellness, private practice and community settings. Within these settings, art therapy can be applied to an extremely diverse client population in individual, couples, family, and group therapy formats. Art therapy is an effective treatment for people experiencing developmental, medical, educational, and social or psychological impairment. Other individuals who benefit from art therapy include those who have survived trauma resulting from combat, abuse, and natural disaster, along with individuals who have adverse physical health conditions such as cancer, traumatic brain injury, and other health disability, and finally individuals with autism, dementia, depression, and other disorders. Art therapy helps people resolve conflicts, improve interpersonal skills, manage maladaptive behaviors, reduce negative stress, and achieve personal insight. (AATA, 2013) No matter how it is used, all good art therapy leads to both education and growth. It can be beneficial

Art therapists are not arts-and-crafts coordinators, they are highly educated individuals who use art as a communicative tool in therapy sessions. They do this by allowing their patients to create a piece of art before or during a discussion. This gives them the ability to address aspects of the individuals emotions that may have before been concealed. (Dalley, 2008) In order to accurately analyze the meaning and execution of a painting or drawing the art therapist must be fluent in psychology as well as studio art. Becoming a licensed art therapist is not a simple accomplishment, a master’s degree is required for an entry level position in the field. This degree consists of twelve credit hours in classes relating to therapy, psychology, human development, and ethics; as well as eighteen credit hours of studio art. After completing their Master’s degree art therapists must go onto become board certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, seek state licensure, and in some cases even obtain a PHd. Art therapists are dynamic professionals who practice in an array of different environments including schools, prisons, hospitals, mental health wards, and nursing homes. (“American”, 2017) They are passionate and resilient individuals who deserve the respect given to any other professional in the healthcare field.

Expressive arts therapy is the use of art modalities, creative process, and aesthetic experience in a therapeutic context. It is a therapy of the imagination (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 just as much as words. The arts are an alternative form of communication that has recently received recognition for their value in therapeutic settings. There is a long well-established connection between the arts and psychology. Expressive arts therapy builds on a natural, complimentary relationship between the two disciplines. As a formal therapy, this form is relatively new with its

Western traditions narrowly define art as a market-oriented specialized discipline (Levine & Levine, 2004). When art is used therapeutically, content and meaning take priority over mechanics and technicalities.