Routledge 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. Review "True to its title, this book offers a rare opportunity to absorb multiple strategies that are strength-based and positive. Each chapter includes one or more case studies to illustrate how art therapy was particularly helpful in navigating the complex issues children face, and how through art the child can find the curative path through the most adverse situations. Students and professionals alike will find inspiration in the cases presented and may start identifying their own clients as being at-promise." Gussie Klorer, PhD, ATR-BC, LCSW, LCPC, HLM; professor emeritus, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville "This refreshing book contains many examples of how an optimistic stance can strengthen youngsters’ innate resiliency, reinforcing the necessity of conducting our work with a belief in the artist that is completely sincere. There is considerable evidence of the power of the self-fulfilling prophecy, especially the effectiveness of positive expectations. I thank the editors for this timely reminder of how perceiving young people’s creative capacities is at the heart of helping them to find and to articulate their own special artistry." Judith A. Rubin, PhD, ATR-BC, HLM, author of Child Art Therapy, The Art of Art Therapy, Artful Therapy, Approaches to Art Therapy and Introduction to Art Therapy; past president and honorary life member of the American Art Therapy Association "Recognizing that youth are now the largest population in history, the chapters in this impressive volume include theory and neurobiological explanations as well as diverse current examples of developmentally sensitive, socially aware, and inclusive approaches to art therapy. The authors have edited an unprecedented and much-needed contemporary volume addressing the creative potential and promise of youth who have experienced adversity such as trauma, illness, physical challenges, substance abuse, and problematic sexual behaviors." Girija Kaimal, EdD, MA, ATR-BC;  professor, Drexel University; president-elect, American Art Therapy Association 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.