Poster Presentation

Alyssa Allen, Gregory Clott, Jessica Shaulis, Kristan Harrison, Samantha Craig

PSY/305

January 17, 2015

Instructor: Kellie Gray-Smith

Dr. Clott, Gregory

Dr. Harrison, Kristan

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a method of expressive therapy that practices the creative process of making art to improve a person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Individuals have the ability to express oneself through any form of art (Art Therapy, 2015).

Who is Art Therapy for?

You do not need to be a talented artist to receive relaxation. Art therapy can be used for counseling by therapists, healing, treatment, rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and it can be used to massage one's inner-self in a way that may provide the individual with a deeper understanding of themselves. Art therapy can benefit children tremendously; it can also be helpful to adults. Younger individuals are less capable and less comfortable articulating themselves with words (Art Therapy, 2015).

Benefits

The creative process involved in expressing one's self artistically can help people to resolve issues as well as improve and handle with their behaviors and feelings, reduce stress, and increase self-esteem and awareness. Individuals could possibly see things about themselves that they may not have been able to comprehend before. Art therapy can improve various mental and physical symptoms such as reducing pain, anxiety, and tension. It can be advantageous to individuals who have mental disorders, severe or light emotional abuse, cancer, PTSD, and a variety of other serious conditions (Art Therapy, 2015).

Dr. Craig, Samantha

What is abuse?

Abuse can be a multitude of different things. There is Physical and Domestic, which is hitting others out of anger. Leaving bruises, welts, scares, and even hand prints. Emotional is when words are used in a harmful manner. Sexual is when sexual act are taken against a person without their permission.

Cycle of Abuse

When it comes to abuse there is a cycle that is always on repeat. The abuse happens, then the guilt comes into play for the abuser, but it's the fear of getting caught. Next is making excuses for why they did what they did. Then it's the so called back to normal stage where they pretend nothing ever happened. Then it's the calm before the storm where everything is smooth going till the tension builds up

Signs of abuse

It can be hard to determine signs of abuse. The best thing to look for besides the obvious which is physical evidence is to observe the persons behavior, physical or even financial changes. These can show that something is going wrong especially if they are drastic changes.

Prevention and Treatment

There is no for sure fire way to prevent abuse from happening other than being aware of the people you or your children are around. However, if abuse does occur there a many different types of therapy that is available for those who seek it. There is individual therapy that specifies in different fields and even group therapy where a person can be around others who are struggling as well and make a great support team.

Why abuse therapy is important

Therapy is vastly important for those who suffer from any type of abuse. In order for the abused to come to terms with what happened and to be able to openly accept that it was not their fault they need that person to confide in. This is a time for healing and a therapist has the ability to provide tools and comfort for them to feel safe.

Dr. Shaulis, Jessica

Dr. Allen, Alyssa

What is Grief Counseling and what does it do?

Grief Counseling is a therapeutic process with people who have recently experienced a major loss in their life. Usually associated with the death of a loved one, this can also include major losses such as divorce, unemployment, etc. This type of counseling focuses emotional support and on helping the client to accept and come to terms with the loss, and to go on with their life and relationships. (Grief Counseling, 2015)

There are 5 stages or steps in the Grief process:

1: Denial- the person is reluctant to admit the loss has happened

2: Anger- the feeling or full understanding of the loss finally sets in, and most will become angry. "They may be angry at themselves for not preventing a loss, at their god for taking away their cherished item or loved one, or even at a loved one that has passed on" ( Grief Counselor careers, 2015)

3: Bargaining- The individual will try to get the loved one back by "bargaining" even though in some cases it won't bring that loved one back.

4: Depression- A person during this stage usually feels very sad or downhearted due to the loss

5: Acceptance- This stage is when the individual begins to accept the loss and in time begin to move on.

Why there are benefits to the grief process and grief counseling? The grief process allows you to talk about how you feel and express it positively. Grief can interfere with some individual's everyday lives if they are having trouble grieving. Grief counseling can provide relief for them and even give them tools so their grief does not interfere with their day to day lives. Grief comes in so many forms that counseling may be needed so it is nice to have it. The benefits of grief counseling is that everyone grieves so there are groups you go to or you can see a private counselor. The process is practiced is by everyone at one point or another so you are not alone.

Reference Page

Art Therapy. (2015). What is Art Therapy? Retrieved from

http://www.arttherapyblog.com/what-is-art-therapy/

Grief Counseling. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2015, from http://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.php?term=Grief Counseling

Grief Counselor Careers. (n.d.). Retrieved January 17, 2015, from http://careersinpsychology.org/become-a-grief-counselor/