Explores the role of children's religious and spiritual beliefs in pediatric medicine and healing. Also explores cultural variables, methods for addressing religious and spiritual concerns in treatment, and the importance of the therapist's own religious and spiritual sensitivity. Discusses how art therapy can help bridge the gap between medical…

Discusses a program designed for a multiethnic classroom setting that uses drawing and storytelling to help immigrant and refugee children build bridges between the past and the future by attaching meaning to experience. Results show that the three themes found in the children's work -- family, friends, and myths -- are factors that can protect…

Treatment of nightmares in two Vietnam veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder was conducted comparing a drawing task with a writing task. In a 12-week intervention in which drawing and writing were alternated, both subjects reported reduction in frequency and intensity of their nightmares in the drawing condition. (JPS)

Reports findings of a 1993 questionnaire completed by 46 North American art therapists that focuses on the outpatient treatment of multiple personality disorder. Includes information on role in diagnosing, fees and third-party payment, and therapeutic activities. Treatment issues include pacing and containment, and managing the client's chronic…

Examines four factors that may cause art therapists to reject the scientific method. Gives an overview of historical developments in science to provide a background for a discussion of each factor. Includes material from anthropology, psychoanalysis, and alternative health care. Offers suggestions for training art therapists in scientific…

Metaphors for researchers, such as a crusader; a traveler; an explorer; a miner; an astronaut; a biblical Daniel; a Samurai; and an archaeologist are discussed. Benefits of conducting research are enumerated, including building the knowledge base for art therapy; increasing professional opportunities; improving client care; and advancing the…

In this article, the authors present the rosebush fantasy drawing as a technique to use in elementary school counseling. The technique is suggested as an expressive arts method to access the emotional world of children in a non-verbal format. The specifics of presenting the technique and processing the drawing with elementary-aged students are…

We investigated whether artmaking improves mood, and if so, whether this effect is best explained by "catharsis" or "redirection." In Experiment 1, participants viewed tragic images and then either drew a picture based on their feelings or copied shapes. Those who drew exhibited more positive mood after drawing; those who copied shapes did not.…

This paper explores what art therapists can learn from career counseling and how to apply and adapt these strategies with recent art therapy graduates who are looking for a job postgraduation. Art therapists are a distinct group of career-counseling consumers because they face unique challenges in the job market, including changing health care…

An increasing number of students diagnosed with difficulties such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Asperger?s syndrome are being seen in schools. Sensory integration difficulties may be part of the symptomatology of these disorders. These difficulties may result in difficulties with both classroom behaviors and academic performance.…

Neuroscience researchers identify a cerebral cortex with two functioning hemispheres: a left hemisphere associated with language and speech and a right hemisphere associated with visual-motor activities. Additionally, neuroscientists argue that contemporary lifestyles favor the verbal, logical left brain and often ignore the truths that present in…

Society calls upon art therapists to meet the needs of troubled community members. This article describes one art therapist?s experience of "giving back" to the community by volunteering to provide art therapy at a therapeutic camp for children whose lives have been touched by HIV/AIDS. Some of the medical, social, and psychological issues…

The value of art therapy for older people with mental health problems is well documented although there is a paucity of research for people who are home bound. This study, based in England, involved five clients, all older people with mental health problems, receiving art therapy sessions at home. The clients and caregivers were then interviewed…

Describes how computer graphics helped a 10-year-old boy talk about his painful feelings, gain self-confidence, and become less anxious about losing his mother's emotional support. Identifies ease of use, motivational aspects, and facilitation of relationships as major advantages of using the computer as a graphic art tool. (ABB)

The roles of teachers and therapists, when dealing with troubled students, are clarified. If an art teacher is not trained as an art therapist, he or she cannot assume responsibility for addressing the emotional needs of these types of students. (RM)