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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  • Withdrawn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