The application of new techniques in brain imaging has expanded the understanding of the different functions and structures of the brain involved in information processing. This paper presents the main areas and functions activated in emotional states, the formation of memories, and the processing of motor, visual, and somatosensory information.…

This study explores how children's drawings, as rated on the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS), are related to their emotional and behavioral health. Participating students (ages 8-16, N=53), attending a therapeutic day school for students with emotional and behavioral disorders, drew a picture of a person picking an apple from a tree…

Hakoniwa (ha ko ne wa), or Sandplay therapy, is an action-oriented and artistic psychotherapy practiced in Japan and the West. In contrast to most Western psychotherapies, which emphasize verbal and direct expression, linear and cause-effect thinking, and a distinction between physical and mental well-being, Hakoniwa makes significant use of…

The Children's Museum of the Arts, located in SoHo, is a community center where children and families create together through involvement with the visual and performing arts. The families that participate in the programming offered by the Museum are living, and perhaps working and going to school, in the shadows of what used to be the World Trade…

A need exists within the profession of art therapy to address issues of managed care, licensure, and provider reimbursement. While the profession struggles on both the state and national level with issues of livelihood and recognition, there are still philosophical questions within the field which remain unexplored. This article addresses a theme…

In this book counseling approaches with a variety of populations are examined using these creative arts: music; dance/movement; imagery; visual arts; literature; drama; and play and humor. It is noted that all of these arts are process-oriented, emotionally sensitive, socially directed, and awareness-focused. Chapter 1 discusses the history,…

The role of art therapy is considered in working with such high risk groups as the institutionalized, mentally retarded, elderly, visually impaired, physically handicapped, asthmatic, hyper- and hypo-active children, hearing impaired, and patients on mind altering drugs. The special risks of infectious diseases (such as serum hepatitis), and…

Women seeking to realize the feminist goal of autonomy, defined as self-interested decision-making, encounter conflict and anxiety. This study reports a group experience, using life-space drawings and force-field analyses to reduce anxiety and foster autonomous decision-making. Of the 15 women participants in the year-long study, 100% reported at…

Children have not yet developed the coping mechanisms of adults, and it is difficult for them to verbally communicate their needs. Practitioners increasingly recognize the usefulness of nonverbal communication methods to help these children. This revised and updated casebook and text focuses on treatment of children who have experienced crises…

The author delineates the role of the art therapist by contrasting it to that of the art teacher and the psychotherapist. She suggests ways the art therapist can reach severely disturbed children and stimulate their interest in art and the productive process. Part of a theme issue on art therapy. (SJL)

Explains how students created artwork as a therapeutic outlet after the attack on the World Trade Center (New York) on September 11th, 2001. Describes a project that focused on patriotism in which students created murals with quotes from national hymns. (CMK)

Focuses on the use of art as a means for students to express their reactions to the September 11, 2001, attacks. Addresses the project, "Drawing Together: Kids Against Terrorism," a collection of Internet artwork by students that focused on their response to the attacks. Includes student artwork. (CMK)

This article explores art as a vehicle for self-expression in students with emotional disturbances. Art activities can help students understand themselves and empathize with others and can help educators understand students' feelings. Activities are presented for focusing on negative and positive feelings and on ambivalent feelings. (JDD)

Describes the development and implementation of a continuing education program in art therapy for unemployed postsecondary art majors and others of similar background who want to enter this new field. Discusses administrative concerns, especially the program's incompatibility with other continuing education programs, and the program's eventual…