A project was undertaken to improve mental health treatment services to seriously emotionally disturbed inner city ethnic minority children. Many of these children and the majority of their parents did not speak English. As service planning began it was agreed that the developers would like to emphasize the creative arts therapies, most especially…

This report on how Native American healing methods can be utilized in Western creative art therapy emphasizes that for Native Americans, art is an element of life--not a separate aesthetic ideal. Furthermore, American Indian philosophy does not separate healing from art or religion; the belief is that traditional healing, which uses shamanic…

This paper discusses job opportunities for women art educators interested in working with exceptional children. Within the next few years there will be a significant increase in the demand for art teachers trained in the uses of art with exceptional children. This is due to the increased sophistication of schools in identifying exceptional…

Access to the arts requires facilities, programs, and services that enable the handicapped to participate in all kinds of art. Some training programs for special education teachers and classroom teachers are described. (Author/MLF)

The study explored the effect of different psychopedagogical factors on the adaptation process in 365 first year students at the Pedagogical University of Cracow (Poland). Eight sessions of "creative therapy" included music, art, and discussion. (DB)

Art therapy enhances the cognitive abilities of most students no matter how severely affected they may be. It also provides an emotional outlet and opportunity to gain self-worth. Schools would do well to seek out educator-therapists in the arts to serve the special needs of mainstreamed children. (LHW)

This paper reports on the introduction of an exploratory program on emotional development, "Drawing Emotions," through which instructors try to: (1) help the child learn how to deal with feelings; (2) ascertain relational difficulties; (3) apprehend their own questions which were not answered; and (4) interfere in the presence of risks…

Reports the use of death therapy with a cancer patient. Gestalt therapy and creative media were used to facilitate an integration of life and a sense of balance with life. Suggests that counseling the dying means walking along a stretch of the path together. (Author)

Presented is a case study of Johnny, a four-year-old living with his divorced mother, which illustrates the application of art therapy to the basic problems experienced by children in a one-parent family. This article is part of a theme issue on art therapy. (SJL)

United States and Canadian colleges and the art therapy education programs they offer, including graduate degree programs, graduate-level certificate programs, clinical training programs, special programs, and undergraduate programs are listed. Some overseas institutions and their programs are also listed. (JMD)

Interview with Don Seiden--artist, educator, and regional pioneer in the field of art therapy practice and training in the Midwest. Seiden reflects on historical developments in the field and future trends in the profession. Central to the conversation is the unique perspective that artists bring to the fields of mental health and science.…

Reports interventions with individuals experiencing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder syndrome due to military conflicts in the West Bank and Gaza. Describes art therapy in six mental health clinics and its effect on the community. Follow-up plans to promote empathic dialog among mental health workers in the different cultures are described. (LSR)

Investigates the creativity and behavior precipitated by employing the mandala as an active centering device for children with Attention-Deficit Disorder or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Drawings were requested and rated according to the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale. Preliminary findings indicate that attentional abilities…

Investigated effects of art history enrichment of art therapy task on anxiety, time on task, and art product quality among 13 chronic adult psychiatric day hospital patients. Results indicated art history enrichment task reduced anxiety and increased time on task. Art organization level tended toward significant increase compared with control…

Notes that many factors may contribute to lack of disclosure of childhood sexual abuse. Contends that elementary school counselors must assist children in disclosure of their abuse. Sees drawing as one method counselors can use to assist children in communicating their inner feelings and experiences. Helps counselors become familiar with drawing…