Effective Use of Art & Activities in Group Therapy

The inclusion of art projects and other activities in social work groups can often seem “recreational” or heavily curriculum driven, putting clinicians in situations where they may feel like babysitters or teachers rather than therapists. This course is designed to improve the effective integration of creative arts projects and other action-oriented activities in group therapy by teaching social workers to understand and think strategically about activity selection to further group goals, including those groups that require following manualized protocols.

The course will review the basics of social work group theory and investigate ways in which adding activities can either promote or work against the therapeutic factors of groups. Class will include role-play to practice using art and activities as group intervention to meet specific group and treatment goals. Lecture and discussion will address the challenges of activity-based group work. Topics covered include: how to introduce activities and support individual engagement and success; designing projects that support treatment goals and group.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the therapeutic factors that can be activated with art therapy or other activities.
• Plan art projects and activities that enhance the therapeutic factors in group therapy.
• List three ways in which the therapist must engage the group to assist the activation of therapeutic factors.
• Identify activities that will address both group therapy goals and individual treatment goals.
• Describe the impact that non-verbal interventions can have on the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses of participants.

While many social workers and mental health professionals appreciate the value of creative expression in practice, it is important to be educated about when and how to use art materials with clients in an effective and ethical manner.