What is art therapy?
Art Therapy is a form of expressive therapy which utilizes visual art-making tools for a wide variety of goals and treatments. Common uses for Art Therapy may include enhancing overall mental health, behavioral concerns, self-expression, communication, coping skills, relaxation, and social skills. Art Therapy is conducted by a trained Art Therapist and differs from a traditional “art class”. Although art can be therapeutic itself, Art Therapists are trained to use art materials and techniques that are directly tailored to helping a specific client reach their therapeutic goals. A wide variety of materials are typically used, including paint, clay, drawing materials (colored pencils, crayons, oil pastels), found objects, photography, and film-making. All ages can benefit from Art Therapy as well!
Art Therapy and Down syndrome
Art Therapy has proven helpful for a wide variety of populations, especially in those who may have impaired verbal communication. Verbal self-expression and language can be especially difficult for those with diagnoses such as Down Syndrome, Autism, and Alzheimer's. Art offers a way for people who have trouble “speaking their mind” with words to express themselves, their thoughts, and their emotions without words. Some common uses of Art Therapy in the Down Syndrome community include:
• improvement of communication and social skills
• improvement of fine motor skills
• promotion of self expression and emotional awareness
• a creative outlet
• coping with stress and life changes
• fostering cognitive development
• enhancement of self-esteem
• behavioral regulation
• overall relaxation
• Building rapport, support, and friendships in Art Therapy groups
meet the art therapist
Hello! My name is Gabrielle Bergeron, I am proud to be a new member of the DSACT team as an Art Therapy intern for the Fall of 2022. I am currently a student at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Under the supervision of trained professionals in the counseling and Art Therapy fields, I am excited to host individual and group Art Therapy sessions to interested members of the DSACT community. Outside of my work at DSACT, I am currently a high school art teacher, have previous experience teaching pre k—8th grade art and teaching art to adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. In my free time, I love to do all things creative, and love exploring Austin with my dog, Roux. I have such a passion for art and firmly believe in its therapeutic properties. I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions about Art Therapy at intern@dsact.org.
DSACt Art therapy offerings
Individual Therapy:
Sessions are specifically tailored to the client and their specific goals and can include a combination of art and traditional talk therapy. Sessions will be one hour long, and frequency of visits will vary depending on quantity of interest. Individual sessions can be held at the AGE of Central Texas building, or held at the participants home if it is within a 20 mile radius of the central Austin area.
Availability: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday Afternoon/ Evenings
Group Therapy:
Groups will be made up of 5 individuals placed together based on similar interest, goals, and age. Number of groups will vary depending on quantity of interest. Groups will be held on Saturday mornings.
Open Studios:
Join Gabrielle for an open studio this December. There are three sessions available based on age!