Art Therapy Services




Art Therapy Services have been provided at the STAR Center since June, 1998. This therapeutic intervention assists clients of all ages in meeting academic, employment, and/or independent living goals using art to meet non-art goals. The American Art Therapy Association, Inc. regulates educational, professional, and ethical standards for Art Therapists nationally.

Caryn is a young woman who is accomplished at using the arts as a means of communication. Caryn has limited use of her left hand, so she works to strengthen that hand while making art. Caryn uses her art abilities as a tool for rehabilitation.

Art Therapy is recommended to meet non-art goals such as:
  • improve sensory integration,
  • increase hand-eye coordination,
  • enhance fine motor and gross motor control,
  • improve communication skills (written, verbal, and non-verbal),
  • increase pro-social skills, and
  • increase sense of self or self-esteem.

Art therapists utilize art media, images, the creative process, and patient/client responses towards the created products as reflections of the individual’s development, abilities, personality, interests, concerns, and conflicts.

Participation in Art Therapy benefits the client by teaching him/her that enjoyable learning experiences and non-threatening environments exist. The therapeutic experience may be 'fun' and 'play' though the client is working to meet their goals. They are motivated by their success and encouraged to relate it to other areas of their life.

Expressive Arts Therapy as an intervention is an effective part of a multidisciplinary treatment team. One session may target the integration of several therapeutic goals. The client is better prepared for community living, workplace, and school.

Art therapists that serve the clients at The STAR Center are master level art therapists with extensive training in both art as therapy and art psychotherapy, making them uniquely qualified to assist the individuals at The STAR Center in meeting their physical, neurological, social, employment, and emotional needs.