Art Therapy Services For Children At Risk At The Hope Gardens Community Center

The origins of Attachment theory can be traced to the influential work of John Bowlby (1958). Bowlby’s work as a psychiatrist in a Child Guidance Clinic in London caused him to consider the significance of the child’s relationship with their mother in terms of their cognitive, emotional and social development. Specifically, it contributed to enthralling his interests surrounding the link between early infant separations with the mother and later maladjustment, leading Bowlby to formulate the Theory of Attachment. Bowlby argues that this attachment between the mother and child is different in a qualitative form from any other form attachment. This theory, although seminal, holds many criticisms from others, stating that children learn more from their peers rather than from their parents (Harris, 1998). A separate criticism is that of Field’s (1996), who evaluates the many limitations of the Attachment Theory.

Attachment is commonly defined as an emotional bond that connects two people (Ma, 2006; McLeod, 2009). ADD. Attachment theory offers a developmental model for conceptualizing emotional distress and symptomatic behavior as an adaptive response to emotion insecurity in parent-child relationships. Recent developments reveal empirically supported data in the application of attachment based family therapy to the treatment of family distress, such as that experienced in the event of

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

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can result from any form of trauma a person may experience throughout their life, such as war or combat, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, mental abuse, ect. It is also something that effects more people than commonly thought, “7.8 percent of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives”. If not treated, the symptoms of PTSD can follow an individual their entire life, this potentially includes “reliving” traumatic memories in addition to many other emotional issues. Although it may be helpful, PTSD treatment can be very difficult for an individual to participate in. In order for someone to work through a traumatic experience, it is necessary that the individual reflects on many

attachment relation can help orphan overcome their adaptive problems.” (Laing , 2007) In a situation as tragic as childhood abandonment one can only hope that a child finds this positive guidance. Children who are brought up with this attachment styles grow up to be adults with healthy relationships and do not fear interactions with others and do not block others out emotionally. Adults who were raised with secure attachment styles feel comfortable with standing on their own and not depend on relationships to determine their self-worth.

This essay will comprise, firstly, of past research looking into what attachment/ attachment theory is, focusing on Bowlby’s (1973) research into why an infant’s first attachment is so important. Followed, by the work of Ainsworth et al (1978) bringing to light the findings from the strange situation, and how the research can explain mental illness. From this and in-depth discussion looking at how the previously discussed pieces of research have an effect on two particular disorders, depression and anxiety; while keeping a holistic approach considering other variables within attachment theory which have been linked with the development of these disorders. Through-out, the implications of knowing about this potential link between attachment and mental health will also be discussed. Finally, a conclusion will be made to whether there is a strong link with attachment and mental illness.

The National Health Survey exemplified mental and behavioural conditions to be the highest major long-term health condition experienced by Australians in 2014-2015 (ABS 2015). As mental health conditions contribute significantly to the burden of illness and injury in the Australian community, it is fundamental safe and quality therapeutic treatment practices are implemented for people experiencing mental illness in a clinical context (ACSQHC 2010; AIHW 2016). To address and alleviate the increasing prevalence and severity of mental illness in the community, a number of studies have identified the pressing need to implement innovative and effective approaches such as art-based therapy practices in acute psychiatric settings (Blomdahl

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.

Attachment theory led not only to increased attention to attachments as a psychosocial process, it also led to a new understanding of child development (Bowlby, 1969). Freudian theory suggested that as libidinal drives fixed on different objects, former attachments would be broken; failure to break an attachment effectively would constitute a sort of trauma that could lead to later mental illness (Bretherton (1992). Attachment theory, however, suggested that growing children did not break former attachments, but rather (1) learned to become more active (or sovereign) within previously established attachments, and (2) added new attachments, which did not necessarily require a break with (and are not

According to attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969/1982, 1979), attachment patterns are formed in the context of early childhood experiences with caregivers and maintained by interpersonal relationships in adulthood. Attachment is defined as an affectionate bond between two individuals that endures through space and time and serves to join them emotionally. Attachment trauma may be especially problematic because of its influence on the course of psychological, social, emotional and physiological development over one 's lifetime. Also, if a child is traumatized by reason of caregiver neglect or maltreatment, significant damage in attachment development may occur. Past research discovered that over two-thirds of maltreated children develop insecure attachment styles (Friedrich, 2002). Moreover, children who have experienced abuse or neglect in early childhood

The best child care center in Anchorage, AK, Kreative Kids teaches children of all ages and stages to learn as they grow, offering the area's top enrichment programs for every stage of child development. Seeking a learning center for your child? The caregivers at Kreative Kids have three steps for choosing the perfect place.

Cindy (pseudonym) is an eight-year-old African-American female who has attended the after-school program since May 2016 at Hope Gardens Community Center (HG) in Brooklyn, New York. HG provides after-school programs for pre-K to high school students. Cindy appears to be slightly shorter and skinnier than her peers and always wears a neatly maintained school uniform. She seemed to be quiet but expresses her opinions lucidly. The after-school program teacher mentioned that Cindy is smart and practical, and described Cindy as a “tiny adult.”

· 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

Now that the sessions have come to the midphase, the therapist has to place the boundaries and the goals, both personally and professionally. It is mostly thought that this phase is when the main issues are dealt with. One of the hardest parts of the therapist's job is to decide which specific art therapy treatment will work the best for their

Most forms of therapy are centered on verbal communication. Art therapy, however, breaks that mold and introduces a more creative means of both communicating ideas and learning to grow. The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as: