art & therapy collage

A personal journal during the last year of my art therapy master's program.

After the World Trade Center and Pentagon events on September 11, 2001, I have discovered several references to art as a therapeutic way to process the upsetting events. In Boca art teacher suspended over pupils’ sketches of terror, a controversy has ensued over whether this type of art expression was appropriate for the children. At first I was angered that the parents would want to prevent such a natural form of expression for the kids but when I read the article, I have to agree with the art therapist quoted in the article. In fact, Kerry DeBay brings up a common concern for most art therapists:

"'We don’t professionally supervise our kids when they talk or when they play with their dolls. When they’re drawing in day-to-day life they’re drawing whatever they’re thinking,' she said. But the danger comes when someone who’s untrained in art therapy tries to interpret what a child is drawing, or uses it to diagnose a problem, she said."

In addition, merely drawing these violent images does not necessarily mean the child has resolved the issues of fear, anger, or confusion. Often, these overwhelming feelings may need to be processed. That is where art therapists are needed. A positive art activity was explored at Lipscomb Elementary School.

Also, Kids give NYC Fire Department their "Helping Hands"

Art is also used in adult healing after traumatic events such as Steve Sunderland's story after the Cincinnati riots in July.

Here are several good sources on how to answer kid's questions and feelings about the recent events and other traumatic events.

How to talk to your kids about Tuesday's terrorist attacks

Dealing with the terrorist attacks

Helping children cope with tragedy

Children and grief

Helping children after a disaster

Advice on communicating with children after a disaster

4:51 PM [ Link ]

With all the disturbing events of this past week, it was really difficult to concentrate on the everyday things like going to classes and stuff. We have managed though. I had Tuesday off of classes and then I went to DC for class on Wednesday and we processed what happened and did about 20 minutes of art about it.

We talked about what we tell kids when their security is threatened. We talked about how you cannot "give" anyone a sense of security. We can only help them try to find something within themselves that gives them hope and makes them feel safe or good in a time when things are chaotic and scary. A lot of people connect with their faith. We talked about art interventions and coping mechanisms. We talked about how our different placements and supervisors advised us to handle the questions and emotions of our clients.

My placement has made it a learning opportunity. The kids are learning about empathy, world events, community... When they ask why, we can only tell them that we do not know why people do bad things. When they ask if we will ever be safe again, we can only answer that the government and the community and family and friends are trying to make it as safe as possible. Although we would love to shelter the children and mentally ill or incapacited, sometimes it is not possible. I would love to be sheltered from these scary events! At my internship, they told us to be very supportive and allow them to ask questions and try to answer as well as we know how but not to let our own views and opinions alarm them. We are not to let our own anger or sorrow inhibit their questions.

Disaster has always strengthened a community. I attended a part of the GWU candlelight vigil organized by a Muslim student and the campus interfaith community. They prayed while the masses of students were silent. Counselors were available. At the same time, there was a vigil on the mall. And earlier that day, Congress, I believe, had a service in the rotunda. Nationwide, we are providing a sense of community and honoring our country. The support on the internet and the relief aid and blood donation is absolutely amazing. It is so beautiful to hear these miraculous recovery and survival stories. Keep lighting candles for each other and our country.

7:35 PM [ Link ]

Well, this is my last year at the George Washington University Art Therapy program.

Yesterday was the orientation for first year students. The second year students (including myself) did a wonderful job of welcoming the new students. We also had a two hour drumming session with a man name Stream Tomas Ohrstrom. It was quite amazing to have 30 plus people making music together on unique instruments from all over the world. The most exciting moment for me was when I actually played the didjeridoo for a few moments! Of course I couldn't do the circular breathing or the polyphonics but it sure vibrated!

In the evening, we had a terrific beginning of the year party at Berre's near Dupont Circle in DC. It was a fantastic view on the roof of her apartment building! Perhaps I can find someone's pictures to scan later. I'm thinking the first year students are really lucky to have such a diverse and fun group of big sibs for this upcoming year! I'm so glad that my class has passed the awkward, too-polite stage of friendship.

The academic year should be full and exciting since I'm taking some neat classes (artist as therapist and assessment), helping to edit the GW Art Therapy newsletter Drawn from Building L, and going to the American Art Therapy Association convention in Albuquerque in November. I cannot wait!

2:55 AM [ Link ]