Mendel Psychological Associates' blog » Art therapy http://www.drmendel.com/blog Musings of a psychologist off the clock Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:11:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Digital Studio http://www.drmendel.com/blog/2010/07/28/digital-studio/ http://www.drmendel.com/blog/2010/07/28/digital-studio/#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:13:04 +0000 ginger http://www.drmendel.com/blog/?p=217 For teens who would like a small group social environment with an opportunity to express themselves creatively.

There is a new and innovative way to help your child express feelings and learn about themselves in a safe group of 6 members. Digital Art Therapy uses computer graphic software, [...]]]> Support for TeensFor teens who would like a small group social environment with an opportunity to express themselves creatively.

There is a new and innovative way to help your child express feelings and learn about themselves in a safe group of 6 members. Digital Art Therapy uses computer graphic software, stock photos and drawing software to highlight issues kids are dealing with through art where they can be addressed. Teens can make digital expressions in photo collages, digital paintings, music videos and animations to express their feelings and explore their situations. Every week we’ll learn a new computer technique from the leader and from a group member as well as social and personal skills as they come up in the context of the group.

If your teen can relate to these things they may be a good candidate for digital studio:

  • Feeling different than people at school
  • Holding in emotions
  • Unable to talk about what’s bothering them
  • Not having many friends
  • Feeling misunderstood
  • Loves the computer
  • Likes art, video games, or animation

Requirements for attending the group:

  • Bring your own laptop(Mac or PC)
  • Loaded with your own favorite graphic software
    • A Photo program: Photoshop or Gimp (free), Corel, or other Photo program
    • A drawing program: Art Rage ($20) or Corel, Illustrator, Paint or other program

For grades 9-12

Friday nights 6PM-8PM – $35 per session -  Admission allowed at any time. Free consultation interview with parent and teen required before beginning group.

Includes private Digital Studio website where art work can be posted between sessions only for studio members to see and exchange tips.

All levels welcome.

Location: Mendel Psychological Associates

Call Ginger Poole at 919-876-1314 to find out more details and to schedule an initial interview.

]]> http://www.drmendel.com/blog/2010/07/28/digital-studio/feed/ 0 Coping with Divorce and Separation in a digital world http://www.drmendel.com/blog/2010/06/28/coping-with-divorce-and-separation-in-a-digital-world/ http://www.drmendel.com/blog/2010/06/28/coping-with-divorce-and-separation-in-a-digital-world/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:03:50 +0000 ginger http://www.drmendel.com/blog/?p=197 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 [...]]]>

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.

]]> http://www.drmendel.com/blog/2010/06/28/coping-with-divorce-and-separation-in-a-digital-world/feed/ 0 Frequently Asked Questions about Digital Art Therapy – FOR PARENTS http://www.drmendel.com/blog/2010/01/18/frequently-asked-questions-about-digital-art-therapy-for-parents/ http://www.drmendel.com/blog/2010/01/18/frequently-asked-questions-about-digital-art-therapy-for-parents/#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:22:41 +0000 ginger http://www.drmendel.com/blog/?p=166 What is Digital Art Therapy?
Digital Art Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that encourages expression of emotions and changes in thinking through artistic activities such as creating photomontages, digital paintings, photographs, and videos with music. It is based on the evidence that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing [...]]]> What is Digital Art Therapy?
Digital Art Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that encourages expression of emotions and changes in thinking through artistic activities such as creating photomontages, digital paintings, photographs, and videos with music. It is based on the evidence that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing.

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.

]]> http://www.drmendel.com/blog/2010/01/18/frequently-asked-questions-about-digital-art-therapy-for-parents/feed/ 0 Frequently Asked Questions about Digital Art Therapy FOR TEENS http://www.drmendel.com/blog/2010/01/18/frequently-asked-questions-about-digital-art-therapy-for-teens/ http://www.drmendel.com/blog/2010/01/18/frequently-asked-questions-about-digital-art-therapy-for-teens/#comments Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:19:10 +0000 ginger http://www.drmendel.com/blog/?p=170 What is Digital Art Therapy?
Digital Art Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that encourages expression of emotions and changes in thinking through artistic activities such as creating photomontages, digital paintings, photographs, and videos with music. It is based on the evidence that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing [...]]]> What is Digital Art Therapy?
Digital Art Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that encourages expression of emotions and changes in thinking through artistic activities such as creating photomontages, digital paintings, photographs, and videos with music. It is based on the evidence that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing.

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.

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