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This is a presentation created for the Care Manangement Organizations of New Jersey to describe what art and play therapy is and how it can benefit children and families in the community
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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
© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC
Creative Materials and Toys
© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC
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
© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC
Q & A
© 2009 Colors of Play, LLC
