Art Therapy can help children, young people, adults and older adults with a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or conditions.
Art therapy has been practised in health, social and education services for over fifty years.
Art Therapy in Education
School is a challenging environment for all young people, especially for those with emotional or behavioural problems.
Art therapy can provide a practical and effective remedy, often allowing a child to reintegrate successfully in normal activities.
art therapy can help a young person to adapt and change …
Art therapy:
- is a form of psychotherapy
- uses visual media as the main channel of communication
A qualified art therapist:
- uses psychodynamic theory and practice to help a child to explore difficult and confusing emotions
- can assist with a child's psychological, emotional, educational, social, and physical development
A qualified art therapist:
- holds a post-graduate qualification
- is a member of The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)
- may be employed on full or part-time, permanent or temporary contracts
- is paid on a band 7 and upwards pay scale. Hey grade 8/9 for education
Schools use art therapy because:
- art therapy can help schools to fulfil their statutory responsibilities to ensure special educational needs are met
- interventions such as art therapy may be essential for pupils with learning difficulties in assisting access to the National Curriculum
Children with problems:
- Neglect
- Physical abuse (domestic violence, gang violence, offending)
- Mental illness (diagnosed or undiagnosed)
- Sensory impairments (neuro diverse/ learning diffciulties/disabilities)
- Loss (bereavement, identity, person in care)
- Bullying (self esteem, confidence, anxiety)
- Learning difficulties
- Cognitive difficulties
- Communication
- Withdrawn
- Lacking in confidence
- Depressed
- Aggressive
- Angry
- Chaotic
- Anti-social/Behavorial
- Obsessional
- Self-destructive/risky behaviours (ADHD etc)
- Phobic
- Unpredictable
Referrals may be made by:
- teacher / head teacher / head of year
- SENCO
- educational psychologist
- self-referral
Art therapy starts when:
- assessment is made by the art therapist, in consultation with other professionals and the child's parents or guardians (if working with children)
- upon parental consent, the child can begin regular sessions at a set time each week.
- Self referral from potential client. This can include free 15 mins consultation t/c then assessment session/s with art therapist face 2 face
- Care co-ordinator, social worker, GP
- Legal guardian, foster carer etc
Art therapy lasts:
- Assesments can last from 1-6 sessions depending on complexities of client.
- Therapy is usually from 6 months -1 year onwards, upon review which is agreed with client or carer.
- preparation for the ending of therapy will need to take place over a number of weeks or months
An art therapy room must:
- be self-contained and private
- group work - should be in a large room for about 6 adults
- have suitable work surfaces and flooring
- have a sink and running water
- have lockable storage space
Art materials:
- will include those usually found in the school
- funding for additional materials may be necessary
The art therapist:
- does not have a teaching role
- the content of the sessions is strictly confidential
- if the art therapist considers a adult to be at risk, he/she will Liaise with their GP or consultant, or trusted adult. If working with a child they will comunicate to the school or social services safeguarding officer and/or headteacher
The art therapist will schedule time for:
- art therapy sessions
- dated record keeping of sessions
- administration work
- regular supervision
Art therapy requires regular liaison with:
- teaching/clinical/care staff
- school support
- parents/carers
- outside agencies, as necessary