January Luncheon - Creating Connections: Art Therapy with Familites

“CREATING CONNECTIONS: ART THERAPY WITH FAMILIES ”

Art therapy can be a powerful tool in working with families. The art experience can provide many benefits for the family and therapist, including an alternate means of expression and understanding and a tool to make the family dynamics more visible. When clients struggle with opening up or finding the right words, art can give them a new way to express themselves. The art therapy process can also provide a way for families to practice new patterns of interaction, moving beyond just talking about it in the office. Carolyn Mehlomakulu, LMFT-S, ATR will share about her experience in using art therapy with families, the benefits and challenges of art in family therapy, and examples of media and directives that can be used for assessment and treatment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn the benefits of using art therapy approaches in family therapy
2. Understand the challenges and considerations when using art with families
3. Know how to choose appropriate art media
4. Learn art directives to use for assessment and treatment with families

Bio:

Carolyn Mehlomakulu, LMFT-S, ATR has a private practice in north Austin, helping children, teens, and families. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and family transitions, using both art therapy and talk therapy approaches. Carolyn has several years of experience providing psychotherapy and art therapy in a variety of settings, including community mental health, residential foster care, schools, and juvenile probation. You can learn more about her work at: www,therapywithcarolyn.com. Carolyn also blogs about art therapy and other creative approaches for mental health professionals: at www.creativityintherapy.com

1 CEU Hour Per Meeting (2.0 Clock Hours) — Approved for LMFT, LPC, & Social Work. Acceptable for Psychologists.