Created on the iPad

As an art therapist, I see kids use their digital skills and talents to work through feelings of discouragement and grief they experience due to their parent’s separation or divorce. Using the computer, digital camera, video camera and iPad, they choose and create images to express feelings that have long been unsaid. By making music videos and painting alien space creatures, they tell their story and in the telling begin to find relief.
I see kids who have shut down or are acting out in anger. It’s important to listen, but what if they don’t talk? Many kids use their MySpace and Facebook pages to express feelings and send messages. Chances are your kids are leaving clues for both of you on their social networking page through their words and their pictures. Don’t miss that opportunity to hear.

What kind of issues can digital art therapy help my adolescent with?
Adolescents dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, stress, ADHD, adoption and foster care issues, anger, high functioning autism and Aspergers among others benefit from digital art therapy

Does my teen need to be an artist?
No art talent is needed. Most everyone interacts with digital photos, cameras and art to the degree we work with in digital art therapy. The goal is self-expression, not great art.

Does my teen need to be a computer expert?
Only average computer skills are necessary. If your teen can use a mouse and a keyboard, they can do digital art therapy. There is software for all skill levels.

Does my teen need to bring his own laptop?
Laptops are provided (PC or Mac) but if your teen has a favorite software package he already uses he is welcome to bring his laptop with that loaded.

How often will I meet with you?
I will meet with you for the first session without your teen. Then I would like to see them individually for three sessions. I will meet with you again after the third session with your teen to determine goals and a plan for success.

How much does it cost?
My fees are listed in the Service Agreement, under “master level therapist fees.”

Does insurance pay for this?
I am not on any insurance panels but some insurance may provide out-of-network benefits for my counseling services.

What is Digital Art Therapy?

Can I use my own laptop?
Yes, I have a fast PC or Mac for you to use but if you are more comfortable with your own system and your own software, please bring it.

Can I use my own photos?
Yes! Bring your photos on your camera, DVD or flash drive. I love to see you use your own images. I also have plenty of stock photography if you don’t have anything of your own you want to use at first.

Can I listen to music while I make art?
Lots of people listen to music while making art. Some exercises require talking but most don’t. My only request is that I get to listen too.  I have a multiplug iPod port so bring something good!

What software will I use? How good do I have to be ?
Only average computer skills are necessary. If you can use a mouse and a keyboard, you can do digital art therapy. There is software for all skill levels. We use the Adobe products but there’s also Art Rage, Painter and free products like GIMP and SketchUp. If you have a request, let me know ahead of time and I’ll see if I can get it.

Do I need to be an artist?
No art talent is needed. Most everyone interacts with digital photos, cameras and art to the degree we work with in digital art therapy. The goal is self-expression, not great art.

Do my parents hear what I talk about or see my art?
Your parents are allowed to see your art and be privy to our conversations however, I make a deal with them that they will let us have our privacy before we start except in extreme situations. I feel it’s important for artwork and conversations to be private.

Can I post my art on Facebook or DeviantArt?
It’s so important that the art be private that I expect the artwork to stay on the drives in my office and not be posted anywhere public. It’s tempting to create something you want to share only to have it commented on inappropriately by someone who doesn’t get it. For this reason, all digital artwork stays in your file and is private between you and me.

I hope that you will all consider her when you are looking for appropriate referrals for your clientele, particularly in her areas of expertise outlined below:

Kristin Vitko is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in Expressive Arts Therapy with children, adolescents, and families.  Kristin is talented and passionate about creating opportunities for clients to cultivate their unique selves and increase their quality of life.

She integrates directive and nondirective play therapy techniques for children ages two through twelve, focusing on issues of attachment, adoption, developmental delays, issues related to autistic spectrum disorders, anger and anxiety management, and many other emotional and behavioral patterns.

Using expressive arts techniques, including visual art, drama, and journaling, Kristin works with adolescents to support identity development, build social skills, develop mood management strategies, and strengthen family relationships.  In addition to her individual work, Kristin also facilitates expressive arts groups for children and adolescents allowing clients to work with peers in order to practice social skills, develop creative thinking, and cultivate positive self-regard.

Kristin believes in working with the whole family and encourages parent and sibling involvement in family therapy.  She considers it an essential goal for parents to expand their parenting skills and strengthen co-parenting collaboration.  Meeting with parents and siblings in addition to individual work with one family member allows the whole family to grow together.

So how does this apply to those of you reading this blog, those of you who are not psychologists? Well, next time you are faced with the choice of a vacation or working on that vital project, or building your resume, or doing yet more overtime, choose the vacation. It may not directly further your career, but it will strengthen your soul and lengthen your life. That’s this psychologist’s advice.