With the growing body of research confirming the benefits of creative activities for older adults with Alzheimer's disease, it is imperative for therapists to serve this often unrecognized population. This course presents creative and experienced-based information on how to best engage this group in therapeutic art interventions.This course includes art therapy with elderly in three different settings: studio groups, individual art therapy in an adult day center, and in a museum setting. The course provides an overview of benefits, art therapy interventions, and case studies.

This course provides an overview of the developmental theory of gerotranscendence, which explains that many older adults experience the awakening of a shift from a more rational, materialistic worldview to a holistic and spiritual attitude. Art therapy supports this growth through the creative, meditative, and reminiscent qualities of artistic engagement. This course provides art therapy activities and techniques for working with this population.

This course reflects on two types of mindfulness-informed art therapy groups developed at an inpatient mental health hospital: an acute baker act unit versus a forensic unit. Having the media and process take lead, made the often foreign concepts of mindfulness more accessible to a broader range of individuals served.

Presentation will discuss art-based, heuristic study exploring the lived experience of being a spouse and caregiver to a combat-wounded veteran and an art therapy student. Attendees will learn about importance of self-awareness, clinical concerns and considerations when providing art therapy or counseling to spouses/partners who are caregivers.

Using a case vignettes in an art therapy bereavement program, this presentation examines the relationship between grief and aggression in adolescents, particularly in response to violent and traumatic deaths. The program illustrated to place emphasis on rituals and closure, development of empathic social connections, and potential reduction of aggressive symptoms.

Diagnosed at age three with a chronic pain condition, AW received monthly infusions for 3 years. Her transformation from frightened toddler to art therapy ambassador was remarkable. Ten years later her condition worsened and she returned for monthly infusions. Her altered book in art therapy became a vehicle of transformation.

Art therapists can create a thematic approach to treatment by utilizing children's books as an introduction to art therapy directives. This presentation will explore the author's development of bibliotherapy techniques along with experientials in treating young children (4-12) in art therapy group and individual sessions.

This presentation will discuss how museum-based art therapy can serve as an all-inclusive approach to wellness with client populations with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). A mixed-methods art therapy research study and its implications for clients with ASD will be discussed to inform future practice and programming design for art therapists.

Literature is replete with research and information about children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Yet these children grow up to be adults. There is a paucity of literature regarding adults with ASD. Evidence-based research on structured art therapy groups with young adults with ASD will be presented.

This course seeks to explore contemporary issues in MICA treatment. Topics include an exploration of recent trends in substance abuse, implications in clinical practice, and Art Therapy directives geared to address short and long-term treatment goals.