Understanding Children's Drawings

by Cathy A. Malchiodi PhD, ATR-BC, LPCC

Overview

This practical resource demonstrates how all clinicians can broaden and enhance their work with children by integrating drawing into therapy. The book enables therapists to address the multidimensional aspects of children's art without resorting to simplistic explanations. Approaching drawing as a springboard for communication and change, Malchiodi offers a wealth of guidelines for understanding the intricate messages embedded in children's drawings and in the art-making process itself. Topics covered include how to assist children in making art, what questions to ask and when, and how to motivate children who are initially resistant to drawing. Assimilating extensive research and clinical experience, the book includes over 100 examples of children's work.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781462504855
Publisher:	Guilford Publications, Inc.
Publication date:	02/24/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	252
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Cathy A. Malchiodi, PhD, ATR-BC, LPCC, LPAT, REAT, is an art therapist, expressive arts therapist, and clinical mental health counselor, as well as a recognized authority on art therapy with children, adults, and families. She has given more than 400 presentations on art therapy and has published numerous articles, chapters, and books, including Understanding Children’s Drawings and Handbook of Art Therapy, Second Edition. Dr. Malchiodi is the founder and executive director of the Trauma-Informed Practices and Expressive Arts Therapy Institute. She has worked with a variety of community, national, and international agencies, particularly on the use of art therapy for trauma intervention, disaster relief, mental health, medical illness, and prevention. She is the first person to have received all three of the American Art Therapy Association's highest honors: Distinguished Service Award, Clinician Award, and Honorary Life Member Award. She has also received honors from the Kennedy Center and Very Special Arts in Washington, DC. A passionate advocate for the role of the arts in health, she is a blogger for Psychology Today. Dr. Malchiodi is coeditor (with David A. Crenshaw) of Guilford's Creative Arts and Play Therapy series.

Table of Contents

1. A Historical Perspective on Children's Drawings
2. Children's Drawings in Context
3. Working with Children and Their Drawings
4. Developmental Aspects of Children's Drawings
5. Emotional Content of Children's Drawings
6. Interpersonal Aspects of Children's Drawings
7. Somatic and Spiritual Aspects of Children's Drawings
8. Ethical Considerations and Children's Drawings
Appendix: Materials and Resources