Art Therapy in Public Schools

Why is art therapy used in public schools? When a student is distracted by emotional issues, learning disabilities, speech or language disorders, behavioral disorders or illness, even a well-trained, experienced teacher may be unable to get beyond these barriers to a student’s learning. As one professional on a student services team, the school art therapist is not only trained to recognize these barriers, but to diagnose problems and provide individualized interventions and services to help the student focus on learning.

Art therapy provides a visual and verbal approach to accessing and addressing student needs. As a natural mode of communication for children, it is a means of externalizing the complexities of emotional pain. Children rarely resist the art-making process because it offers ways to express themselves that are less threatening than strictly verbal means.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Art therapy involves the creation of art in order to increase awareness of self and others. This in turn may promote personal development, increase coping skills, and enhance cognitive function. It is based on personality theories, human development, psychology, family systems, and art education. Art therapists are trained in both art and psychological therapy.

The hands know how to solve a riddle with which the intellect struggles in vain. ~ C. G. Jung

What students should receive art therapy services?

Art therapy is valuable for all students, but especially for those experiencing difficulty at school because of personal crises, disabilities, and behavior. Such students may be in regular education, special education, and alternative education programs.

Where is art therapy being used in schools?

Recognizing the strengths and advantages of art therapy, public and private schools across the nation have begun using services. The Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami, Florida, which has embarked on this educational frontier since Janet Bush founded and developed the program in 1979, believes the gains to be realized are considerable. Miami’s program has comprised of twenty therapists who provide services to over 500 K-12 students. Miami’s program is a model for several programs in Florida and the nation.
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Learn more about getting an art therapy contact booked in your school. It is a positive first move you can make for your students.

Call our offices@ 713-206-8429