Colorsof Play Presentation2009

Art & Play TherapyTherapeutic and Creative Approaches for Children

© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC

By Pamela Ullmann, MS, ATR-BC, LCAT, CCLS

What is Art Therapy?• Art therapy is an established mental health

profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well being of individuals of all ages.

• It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight (American Art Therapy Association)

© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC

Play Therapy

• Play therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist helps children to address and resolve their own problems.

• Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them

• Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others.

• Play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings appropriate to their development.

© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC

Focus of Treatment

• Behavioral issues

• Crisis or trauma

• Loss and bereavement

• Emotional difficulties

• Illness or medical issues

• Special needs- sensory integration, adaptive art and play, developmental delays

© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC

Assessment Through Observed Creative Expression

• Sensory input and feelings• Story telling through art • Symbolic representation• Dramatizing situations• Social skills • Behaviors and reactions

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Creative Materials and Toys

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Materials Appropriate ages Psychology

Pencils and pens 5 years and up Control

Crayons and markers 3 years and up Organized

Paint, glue, water play 4 or 5 years and up Emotional

Play dough 2-10 years (or older) Regression

Clay and modeling 7 or 8 years and up Regression or Mastery

Crafts, collage, building 4 or 5 years and up Mastery

Dolls, play sets 18 months and up Imagination

Games 6 or 7 years and up Social & problem solving skills

Child Centered Approach• Create a supportive and healing

atmosphere

• Offer a variety of art and play materials

• Nurture the child’s emotional, physical, sensory, and cognitive development

• Meet the child at the level they are at (physically and emotionally)

© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC

Behavioral Approach

• Sessions are more structured

• Goals are established

• Modeling of behaviors

• Reward systems

• Use of praise

© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC

Group Therapy

• Build social skills• Share creative ideas• Imagination and play• Work cooperatively

• Murals• Collaborative art

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Creative Art Projects

© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC

Q & A

© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC