Many of us, art therapists, go through intensive art therapy programs/training without ever take a moment to pause; to dig deeply into our thoughts, feelings, behaviours, motivations and asking why. While we may be overwhelmed after running a support group for cancer patients or after a day working with kids in palliative care, we might […]
If you’re the parent of a defiant child, you are probably tired of the daily notes you receive regarding your child’s misbehaviour at daycare, kindergarten, or school! You have probably felt frustrated, angry, fearful, or embarrassed when your kid is out of control and throws a tantrum at the mall, movies, or a family friend’s […]
Practice-base studies show that cognitive-behavioral techniques are effective in the treatment of children’s mental health problems such as depression, generalized anxiety, school refusal, social phobias, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma and sexual abuse, and eating disorders. Two phases of CBT treatment in children includes: 1) Psycho-education, where children learn to recognize […]
Recent studies on children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have revealed that seventy percent of children with ASD between the ages of 10 and 14 have also been diagnosed with another disorder, anxiety related disorders are named as the most common one! Behavioral therapists working with kids with ASD admit that anxiety is an inevitable […]
Adolescents’ reaction to the news of divorce could be anywhere within the spectrum of intense anger, sadness, and depression to no reaction at all. Adolescents who express their feelings accuse their parents of “ruining their life”, “ being selfish” and “ inconsiderate”. They may also act up as being the “victims of their parents’ decision”. […]
Although it is very common to experience anxiety during exam period, a recent study has shown that anxiety could be associated with higher marks if the working memory is good as anxiety motivates kids to work more. Clearly, anxiety could have a negative effect on marks when the child is having difficulty memorizing or remembering […]
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 3.2million Canadian youth between the ages of 12-19 are at the risk of developing Depression. Shocking? Right. Children and adolescents can develop depression if they are/ have experiencing/ experienced: Huge pressure from school, society, or family Stressful transitions, such as changing school, neighborhood, city, or country A major […]
Have you ever wished you hadn’t done what you done? Or said what you said?The reality is that, mistakes happen! What is important is that you do not lose control of the situation. Be creative in finding a new way to approach your problems, in turning your mistakes into something more positive. An activity, which […]
Mindfulness is a state of mind where the focus on the bodily sensations is at its highest peak. A mindful person is aware of how his/her body is reacting to the anxiety provoking thoughts and symptoms of anxiety. In the practice of mindful art therapy one practices to be present and remain present to face […]
eniors facing early to mid-stage Alzheimer’s usually suffer from boredom, powerlessness, and loneliness. Therefore, art activities for seniors with Alzheimer’s should aim at improving their quality of life in the years they struggle with this disease. Art therapists working with this population focus on strengthening the remaining cognitive and physical abilities of elderlies instead of […]
