What is Creative Art Therapy?
Creative Art Therapy can include different areas, such as art therapy, play therapy, music therapy, movement or drama therapy.
Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapy theories with knowledge of art education in order to assist individuals in giving thoughts and feelings visual representation. Through the process of creating and reflecting on the created product, an individual may explore emotions, increase self-awareness and self-esteem, and identify boundaries, cognitive skills, and healthy coping mechanisms.
Music Therapy includes, but is not limited to: song-writing, guided imagery, improvisation, lyric analysis and discussion, music listening and music to aid in relaxation. These processes can assist children in expressing feelings, learning coping strategies, learning anger management techniques, identifying boundaries and increasing self-awareness and self-esteem.
Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) used in group and individual sessions with children helps foster creative self-expression. DMT includes a wide variety of approaches, such as expressive movement, creative dance, role-playing and a blend of structured and improvised movement experiences. Through movement observation and interaction the dance/movement therapist meets the child on a primary, nonverbal level and helps the child to expand communication skills by creating a pathway from nonverbal to verbal dialogues.
Through Play Therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others.
What Family Members are Eligible?
Any children age 3 to 17 who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence are eligible, as well as any non-offending parents. Parents who were the perpetrators of the violence are not eligible for services through PALS, as the main focus of the program is processing the trauma experienced. To be eligible for PALS, families cannot be currently living or in a relationship with the offending adult.
Teenagers are just as impacted by domestic violence occurring in a home as younger children. PALS provides all the creative art therapies to teenagers that are available to younger children. They are also able to participate in both groups and individual therapy.
What other PALS Services are Available for Me?
Another option of PALS includes therapy for the non-offending adult in the household who has experienced domestic violence.The program also includes transportation for families to and from the services, as well as onsite childcare for siblings. PALS also offers a support group for adults who have children participating in PALS, and can provide additional services as needed.
How Will PALS Help my Family?
An important piece of PALS is focusing on your family’s strengths and healing from the violence experienced. Families that have experienced domestic violence may also need additional information about other services in the community, such as legal services, financial literacy information, or health insurance referrals. Case managers are able to provide assistance around the families most pressing needs.
How Do I Get Involved with PALS?
Families get involved with PALS through self-referral and court-mandated referrals. If you are interested in setting up an initial appointment or would like some additional information, please call (609) 601-9925, ext. 219. A PALS Case Manager will assist you in determining the level of services that will best benefit your children and family.
How Do I Refer a Client to PALS?
If you are a judge, mental health professional or social services professional, it is important to remember that PALS is a confidential program. Any information must first be released by the non-offending parent or adult participating in PALS. If you would like additional information or would like to refer a client, please contact us at (609) 601-9925, ext. 219.
How Do I Request a Presentation of the PALS program at my school or workplace?
Please email the program coordinator or call (609) 601-9925 ext. 220 to request information or a presentation at either your location or at The Women's Center. The coordinator can be emailed at email@example.com.