What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is a human service profession. Art therapy offers an opportunity to explore personal problems and potentials through verbal and nonverbal expression and to develop physical, emotional and/or learning skills through therapeutic art experiences.

Art Therapists work in primary and adjunctive capacities with people of all ages in clinical, educational and rehabilitative settings. Through observation and analysis of art behaviors, art products, and the client's communications, the art therapist formulates diagnostic assessments and treatment plans as part of a total therapy program. An art therapist may focus on growth experiences, rehabilitation, prescriptive treatment, remediation, adaptation, and/or personality enhancement. Art therapists work in a variety of settings and may provide any or all of the following: evaluation, development of patient treatment plans, goals and objectives, case management services, and therapeutic treatment. Art therapists also maintain appropriate charting, records and periodic reports on client progress as required, participate in professional staff meetings and provide information and consultation regarding the client's progress in the art therapy setting.

The art therapist responds to both the strengths and needs of the client and integrates personal training and experience in art and therapy with theories of human behavior, with a knowledge of visual symbol production, with an understanding of normal and abnormal behavior, and integral members of a t herapeutic team while others serve as consultants or conduct private practices.

How Art Therapy Works

By providing a safe and non-threatening environment, the art therapist invites the individual to express their feelings through a variety of art media. Emphsis is placed on the individual who is encouraged to empower him/herself through the self-exploration and self-interpretation of their own art. The artwork can be spontaneous but may also be directed by the Art Therapist. Through the art process, individuals can often approach difficult issues and convey a message much clearer and safer than with words. The art product serves as a record of these events which the individual can later reflect on and eventually understand with greater clarity.

Art Therapy Can Help

Using simple art materials the Art Therapist helps individuals: express feelings too difficult to talk about increase self esteem and confidence develop healthy coping skills identify feelings & blocks to emotional expression & growth provide an avenue for communication make verbal expression more accessible.

Who Benefits From Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is for people of all ages, children, adolescents and adults who are seeking personal growth or may be struggling with experiences:

AIDS /HIV
cancer patients
trauma victims
Self Abuse victims
separation & loss
bereavement
addictions
learning disabilities, ADHD & ADD
emotional, and / or physical challenges
menal illness

ART THERAPY ON THE NET

What is Pet Therapy?

Pet Therapy is the use of animals to produce a change in an individual 's level of functioning, either physical, mental, or emotional. Animals help people just by visiting with them. It can help people feel less lonely, and less depressed. People become more active and responsive both during and after visiting with animals. An animal visit can offer entertainment, or a welcome distraction from pain and infirmity. People often talk to the dogs, and share with them their thoughts and feelings and memories. Animal visits provide something to look forward to. Stroking a dog or cat can reduce a person's blood pressure. Petting encourages use of hands and arms, stretching and turning.

The pet makes it easier for two strangers to talk. It gives people a common interest and provides a focus for conversation. A dog pays little attention to age or physical ability, but accepts people as they are. The benefits continue even after the visit. The visit leaves behind memories not only of the visit, but of past experiences. It offers something for people to share.

Visiting dogs must be social. A good therapy dog is calm, tolerant and friendly. Visiting dogs must be polite. The balance between calmness, and friendliness is a difficult one. Even an excellent obedience dog may not be a good visiting dog if it shows little interest in meeting people. An aloof dog may be calm, but may cause people to feel rejected. A very friendly dog may have the best of intentions but may cause injury. A dog that is full of energy and always ready to work may be too active for most situations.

PET THERAPY ON THE NET

Pet enriched therapy systems

New Pet Therapy Program Helps "Dog Gone Determined" Patients

Pet therapy - Medical specialists on four legs

Pet Life

Students Learn the Benefits of Pet Therapy

Pet therapy program helps the lonely

Effectiveness of a Pet Facilitated Therapy Program in a Nursing Home Setting

PET THERAPY--The Role of Pets in Cardiovascular Health

Cats & dogs pet therapy

THE ROLE OF PETS IN SOCIAL AND THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS