Note: To protect the privacy of our members, e-mail addresses have been removed from the archived messages. As a result, some links may be broken.

Lesson Plans


resolution scrap book & therapy - long post

[ Thread ][ Subject ][ Author ][ Date ]
joym (joym)
Sun, 25 Apr 1999 10:11:31 -0400

Thank you Larry, for posting what the "working through" process could look
like. Art Therapists use many such methods. I have often combined writing
with drawing & collage in what are referred to as "creative journals". It's
important to note that the article stressed proper & thorough assessment by
a clinician trained to write treatment plans & provide the therapy. This
does not, however, take away from the importance of the teacher as a
detector of early warning signs & symbols (for all sorts of problems). In
today's world, I would recommend any teacher add a generalized knowledge of
these visual red flags to their already broad based knowledge of art &
media.

Some of you have written to me for ideas on where to get started. I'll list
a few references below. And to Liz: It is normal stereotypic images or
symbols to appear at certain developmental roadmarks. If you are teaching a
specific lesson, by all means redirect to that topic. If, however, you are
providing the students choice in a studio environment, it will not be
harmful to allow the initial drawing of such images to emerge & be
discussed. Obviously, if questionable images continue, you'd want to check
out if they are developmentally appropriate or more serious indicators (via
referral). We must not be afraid to talk to kids about the meaning and
feelings behind their artwork. Beyond that, we can build strong & effective
child protective teams which include teachers, mental health professionals
& others who all work together in the child's best interests.

References: ART THERAPY the journal of the American Art Therapy
Association; THE ARTS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY; the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ART
THERAPY; Mommy, Daddy, Look What I'm Saying by Myra Levick; Silent Screams
and Hidden Cries byWohl & Kaufman; Adolescent Art Therapy by Linesch; Using
Drawing in Assessment & Therapy by Oster & Gould; Breaking the Silence by
Malchiodi.

Again, the point is not for you to attempt art therapy in class, but to
take advantage of the position you are in to identify the red flags & be
sure that referrals are made. It may also be helpful to explore any fears &
discomforts that arise in you as kids produce certain images.
Selfunderstanding helps us to know what is our "stuff" and what is theirs.

Joy Moody, Board Certified Art Therapist/Clinical Counselor/Basketmaker
website: http://www.signofthecrow.com

  • Reply: AbeleSmith: "Re: resolution scrap book & therapy - long post"