Expressive Therapies Summit 2015

ROOM 712

Traumatized adolescents have a particularly difficult time expressing their feelings. It is imperative for them to find a safe form of self-expression in order to move beyond trauma and begin the healing process. Since teens today are more often comfortable in expressing themselves through digital media than in face-to-face interactions, a digital approach to art therapy can be effective in helping these individuals come out of their shell. This 90-minute workshop will present a series of computer-based art therapy interventions that can be incorporated into treatment for traumatized youth. Starting with digital self-portraits and progressing into “healing journey films,” these high-tech directives are designed to guide individuals through a journey of increasing self-awareness and expression. Discussion topics will include the benefits and challenges of using digital technology in therapy, and the results from clinical research, including Likert scale evaluations. Teen patients that engage in these digital art therapy directives have demonstrated an increased ability in expressing their feelings, reduced stress, better management of symptoms, and higher self-esteem.
 
Eligible for 1.5 Credits: ATCB, NBCC; ASWB, APA, MFT, Nursing; SWNYS