Why are there art therapists in Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS)?
Art therapists are in M-DCPS to help students identified as having emotional difficulties access their education. As a modality that attends to both verbal and non-verbal expressions of feelings, art therapy is used as a vehicle for communication to help students develop insights, resolve emotional conflicts and make positive behavioral changes. Master art therapists in M-DCPS are trained to observe and analyze a student’s behaviors and art products, and to design and implement treatment plans. They work as an integral member of the educational team and as a support to the teaching staff.
