Art Therapy Intervention Paper

Words: 503
Pages: 3

The type of group practice intervention utilized is for a treatment group; performing art therapy for at-risk youth. According to Sweeney (2009) “art therapy is a form of psychological aid that encompasses the use of pictures; such as drawings, paintings, collages, sculptures etc., in efforts to explore and express emotions, thoughts, memories, and ideas” (p.152). The person participating in the art therapy does not need to be an artist in order to partake in or benefit from such therapy. The focus is centered on the process of creativity, not the finished art product (P.152). The relationship between the therapist and the client as Waller (2016) describes it is “the process between artist and audience and therapist and client, that allows for both partners to share art” (p. 272). Waller also mentions the findings that “the client does not need to be a good artist for the importance is on the creativity” (p. 272) in relation to the findings of …show more content…
The client may not be able to attribute their feelings of expression do to one’s developmental stage or a disability. However, a predetermined response is not always the reasoning. Oftentimes, art can bring about an expression that words simply cannot. The author identifies trauma as a response to the use of art expression versus verbal expression (p.152). This form of therapy has the ability to provide a sense of control one may not possess in other areas of their lives (p.152). An example could be, a child who has experienced some sort of abuse. In support of these factors, Sweeney (2009) notes that “art therapy encompasses both preventative and curative activities that serve to improve ways of engagement with those who may be hesitant in participating in a more traditional form of psychological support such as ‘talking therapies’