Our groups use art as a vehicle for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This presents a tangible and memorable way to teach teens how to recognize how our thoughts, emotions and behaviors are all interconnected and influence each other. CBT is very helpful in aiding individuals to learn to recognize and change any distorted or negative thinking patterns. Teens may often illustrate thoughts, feelings, or events that are difficult to verbalize. This presents insight into their inner world, which allows negative or harmful thoughts to be challenged.

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Our groups are very individualized. At Art It Out, we pride ourselves on group fit. We build our groups based on group goals as well as the individual needs of our group members. Groups are led by a Lead Therapist (with a Master's degree in Counseling or Social Work) and a graduate intern. This ratio allows opportunities for individualized support within the group. If your teen is having a tough time, we want to prioritize giving them an opportunity to check in on a one-on-one basis.  

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Group members learn that art can be a holding space for big emotions. In group, we are learning social-emotional skills that help our clients in daily situations. We begin by learning more tangible coping strategies via art or activities. Once our clients are feeling more confident with the daily implementation of these strategies, we transition to more internal skills. Growing from using glitter jars as an outlet for negative emotions to positively talking yourself through those emotions!  Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a talented artist in order to benefit from our groups! We also incorporate STEM activities, games, movement, sensory play, role-playing, etc.

 

Combining art and CBT improves the child’s overall engagement in therapy and presents the following opportunities:

1. Creative activities provide a great way to break the ice! Teens might not feel comfortable participating in talk therapy, but it’s much easier to express themselves in a drawing or hands-on activity. 

2. Understanding the relationship between your thoughts, emotions, and consequent behaviors is often easier once explained through art and play. Through writing and illustrations, teens can process and practice relevant CBT tools and techniques.

3. Art activities help improve the client's comfort level and understanding of facial expressions, moods, and emotions.

 

These goals may be met in individual counseling or in one of our group counseling sessions. Click Here for our Group Schedule. 

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Click Here to schedule an initial intake appointment.

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SKILLS:

• Challenge Cognitive Distortions

• Increase Positive Thoughts

• Improve Self-Talk

• Recognize Core Beliefs

• Improve Mood

• Increase Flexibility

• Improve Self-Esteem and Resilience

• Manage Anxiety or Depression

• Learn to See a New Perspective

• Challenge Fears

• Manage Stress & Worries

• Practice Solution-Based Thinking

• Making & Keeping Friends

• Choosing Who Would be a Good Friend

• Navigating "Sometimes" Friends or Toxic Friendships

• Handling Social Media

• Improving Self-Esteem & Confidence

• Confidently Joining Into Conversations with Peers

• Asking Appropriate Questions

• Dealing with Peer Pressure

• Coping with Anxiety

• Learn and Utilize Concrete versus Abstract Coping Skills

• Building Crisis Management Toolbox

• Positive Thinking Skills

• Listening & Following Directions

• Compromising & Working with Others

• Being Flexible & “Going with the Flow”

• Frustration Management

• Using a Verbal Filter (refraining from speaking each thought)

• Gaining Positive Thinking Skills

• Leadership Skills​

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