"The world health organisation forecasts that by 2020 depression will be the second leading contributor to the global burden of disease (World Health Organisation, 2001)"
(Sunderland.2013.P60)
(Sunderland.2013.P60)
Evidence base: The benefits of offering therapeutic intervention in schools.
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There is growing research in the area of infant and childhood stress and trauma, particularly the effect it has on their developing brain. A child who is experiencing 'stress' will often find it difficult to concentrate, and their ability to 'think' will be impaired. This will inevitably impact on their learning, health and behavior. 'Too much fear is 'metabolically costly'...It can damage the hippocampus and capacity to retrieve information (perhaps making an 'absent-minded' or 'scatty' child), as well as affecting the ability of the prefrontal cortex to think and manage behavior' (Gerhardt,2004,P79) Evidence suggests that therapeutic intervention, over time can reduce the damage caused by 'stress'. The young person will begin to develop healthy coping mechanisms and build up their emotional resilience. The impact of therapeutic intervention can have very positive effects on the young person, giving them a 'safe space' to share and engage with their emotions. For some children, this 'safe space' is crucial in aiding their long-term emotional health and allowing them to realise their potential. Related articles exploring the impact of art therapy in schools: For more information on how art therapy benefits children in schools, read the article 'A place to hide and heal', featured in the Guardian 2007. A place to hide and heal Art therapy helps troubled children in class and in life. Perhaps it should be offered in all schools http://www.theguardian.com/education/2007/nov/13/schools.uk3
Sunderland M (2013) Helping Children of Troubled Parents, Speechmark Publishing Ltd |
What happens in art therapy
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