Art Therapy
We offer Art Therapy classes to children with autism, caregivers, and siblings of kids with autism. Check our Calendar of Events for current offerings. They do change based on location and throughout the year. We are fortunate to have licensed art therapists in the lowcountry who understand our autism community. They love working with LAF and adore our families!
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a 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 to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight. TD siblings may be especially at risk for internalizing difficulties including symptoms of depression and anxiety (Lovell & Wetherell 2016), difficulty forming peer relations (Hastings & Petalas, 2014), and subclinical social impairments (Con-stantino et al., 2006). Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups, and families to assess and treat the following: anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders; substance abuse and other addictions; family and relationship issues; abuse and domestic violence; social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness; trauma and loss; physical, cognitive, and neurological problems; and psychosocial difficulties related to medical illness. TD coping skills and support network may positively impact adjustment to having a sibling with ASD (Hastings, 2003). Art therapy programs are found in several settings including hospitals, clinics, public and community agencies, wellness centers, educational institutions, businesses, and private practices.
Art therapists are masters level professionals who hold a degree in art therapy or a related field. Educational requirements include: theories of art therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy; ethics and standards of practice; assessment and evaluation; individual, group, and family techniques; human and creative development; multicultural issues; research methods; and practicum experiences in clinical, community, and/or other settings. Art therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media) for assessment and treatment.
