How does the Centre for the Arts in Human Development make use of Art Therapy in its programs?
At present, The Centre for the Arts in Human Development serves adults with developmental delays. Participants in art therapy at the Centre engage in art-making experiences facilitated by student interns from Concordia University s graduate program in Art Therapy. The global goals of these sessions are increased self-expression, self-esteem and authentic communications with others. Beginning by validating each participant s current use of art media, student interns support the development of basic competencies to enhance expressive skills and expand symbolic repertoires so that feelings, fantasies and wishes can be shared. They facilitate both non-directive and directed art expressions to meet goals presented by the range of functioning of Centre participants. Even in directed art-making experiences, students ensure that choices are made available to provide experiences of autonomy that enhance self-esteem. Students may also facilitate clients in the symbolic expression of their intrap
