Art Therapy in Schools and Why It Should Be Gaining Interest

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Abstract This paper is going to discuss the beneficial attributes art therapy gives to students, young and old, in a school setting. It will cover why opening the public school system to the idea of art therapy with in the schools is a step in the right direction for not only troubled adolescents, but also just as a different way to release the stresses everyday school life brings on top of the numerous personal issues one goes through but is less likely to open up to someone about them verbally. Art Therapy In Schools & Why It Should Be Gaining Interest Art therapy has been for the most part, well known as an adjunct form of treatment in the clinical settings such as in psychiatric hospitals and outpatient centers, focusing on mental and emotional disturbances. School based art therapy has been demonstrated in educational settings for children and adolescents with physical, learning, behavioral, and emotional difficulties, usually outside the mainstream or away from the public school system. Art therapy in the public schools, though not a totally foreign idea, has not always been examined until recently. A focus on art therapy within the public school system can benefit for all students, not just those with considerably recognizable special needs, but any child or adolescent. It can also allow teachers, students, parents and administrators to gain awareness and exposure to art therapy and how it may play a role in helping one to enhance their life. There is much development and growth which occurs between the grade school and adolescent years. This encompasses not only academic development and intellectual growth, but emotional, psychological, and social skills enhancement, as well. While schools have always focused on enhancing students’ academic and intellectual functioning, there seems to sometimes be a lack of

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