Art Therapy in Schools: Reducing Anxiety in English Learning Learners
Graduation Date
Spring 2014
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Degree Granting Institution
Notre Dame de Namur University
Program Name
Art Therapy
Dean
John Lemmon, PhD
First Reader
Jennifer Harrison, PsyD, DAAETS, ATR-BC
Second Reader
Amy Backos, PhD, ATR-BC
Abstract
This grant proposes a program for English Language Learners faced with the challenge of making academic advancements while at once struggling with school-based anxiety related to English language development. The program delineated in this giant seeks to decrease anxiety through creative and less verbally dependent group therapy techniques that are more accessible to children developing their English language skills. The eight-week program joins Art Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions to both normalize anxious feelings and teach anxiety management strategies that can be generalized to the broader school setting.