Art Therapy Practices for Resilient Youth: A Strengths-Based Approach to At-Promise Children and Adolescents

Art Therapy Practices for Resilient Youth highlights the paradigm shift to treating children and adolescents as "at-promise" rather than "at-risk." By utilizing a strength-based model that moves in opposition to pathology, this volume presents a client-allied modality wherein youth are given the opportunity to express emotions that can be difficult to convey using words. Working internationally with diverse groups of young people grappling with various forms of trauma, 30 contributing therapists share their processes, informed by current understandings of neurobiology, attachment theory, and developmental psychology. In addition to guiding principles and real-world examples, also included are practical directives, strategies, and applications. Together, this compilation highlights the promise of healing through the creative arts in the face of oppression.

About the Author

Marygrace Berberian is a clinical assistant professor at New York University. Ms. Berberian has invested her 25 year career establishing community-based art therapy initiatives for children and families at-promise.

Benjamin Davis is a psychotherapist, educator, and consultant in New York City, focusing on non-pathologizing treatment models for LGBTQ individuals across the lifespan.