Art Therapy with School Age Children

This workshop focuses on the use of art media and toys in the assessment and treatment of school age children, ages 6-12 years old. Lecture, case examples and e experiential exercises will demonstrate the use of art therapy and play therapy for a variety of presenting problems. Topics covered include developmental considerations for therapy, the use of art media and toys in therapy, and how to facilitate metaphorical communication. Treatment strategies for children with special needs will be offered for those with physical and learning disabilities, and those who have experienced multiple transitions and losses, adoption, child abuse and neglect, illness and injury, and those with severe emotional disturbances and behavioral problems.

Attendees will learn methods of facilitating rapport, expression, and containment to offer culturally sensitive assessment and treatment. Other topics include handling resistance, how to engage parents, and how to incorporate art therapy and play therapy into the school setting and written educational plans. The material will be applicable to clinical, school, group home, residential, and foster care settings.

Experiential sessions will offer safe and comfortable exploration of various techniques to facilitate expression and utilize images, play and the creative process for development and healing.
 

Objectives:  Attendees will be able to:

• describe methods of assessing school age children utilizing play therapy and art therapy techniques,

• describe appropriate interventions for individual and group therapy for school age children, and

• demonstrate knowledge and skills in treating traumatized and abused school age children.  

Instructor: Linda Chapman, MA, is a board certified art therapist and registered play therapist-supervisor. Currently Director of the Art Therapy Institute of the Redwoods, she a former Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco and creator and director of the She San Francisco General Hospital Pediatric Play Therapy Program. Linda has over eighteen years of clinical and supervisory experience and is a nationally recognized expert in art therapy and play therapy with severely traumatized, hospitalized children, adolescents and families.

Workshop fees: Workshop fees are $160 per day, and include all handouts, art supplies, lunch, and morning and afternoon snacks.  CE Credits are available for an additional $25, our direct cost.

Art Therapy Institute of the Redwoods
10151 East Road
Redwood Valley, CA 95470

Phone: 707-485-0105
Fax: 707-485-0105
E-Mail: ArtTherapy@pacific.net