This art therapy group uses visual art tools, techniques, and activities to facilitate positive therapeutic outcomes related to emotional functioning and mood. Activities will incorporate two- and three-dimensional art-making, including drawing, painting, collage, and sculpture. Art-making has been found to facilitate deeper expression of thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and the group environment invites for interpersonal connections, reflections, and artistic inspiration. Participants design and create individual art pieces with therapeutic intent, engage in dialogue around their own and others’ artworks, and reflect on the art-making process and impacts on mood and self-expression.
SCHEDULE/FEES
Wednesdays 4:30-6:00pm
September 18th - November 20th, 2024 (10 weekly sessions)
$1800 total ($180/90-min session)
SAFETY/CONFIDENTIALITY
A safe environment is created and maintained by the facilitators of the group, the children participating in the group, and their parents. While the Art Therapy Group has a structured approach and curriculum, children and their parents sometimes share sensitive and private information with the facilitators and/or other group members and parents. Wolff Child Psychology and your group facilitators are legally bound to maintain confidentiality. Along these lines, we request group members and parents maintain others’ privacy and confidentiality.
LEGAL LIMITS OF CONFIDENTIALITY
The information provided by and to you as a client of the Art Therapy Group is legally confidential and generally cannot be released without the client’s consent. There are exceptions to this confidentiality, which are listed in the Notice of Privacy Practices you were provided. For instance, if we are directed by a judge in a court of law to reveal information, then we must do so. Additionally, if you provide us with information about child abuse or neglect, abuse or neglect of the elderly, or abuse or neglect of a compromised adult, we must report that information immediately. If you tell us that you intend to harm someone else or yourself, we are required by law to reveal that information to the authorities and to the individual who may be harmed. In addition, we are required to work with you closely to preserve your safety. If a legal exception arises during the group, if feasible, you will be informed accordingly.
RECORDS
Records may be released with your written permission. Records will include only the child’s personal progress in group—not information about other group members.
PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION
Facilitators may consult with other professionals at WCP regarding group interactions. This allows a freedom to gain other perspectives and ideas concerning how best to help you reach individual and group goals. No identifying information is shared in such consultations unless a release has been obtained from you as a group member.
ATTENDANCE
Your child’s presence in group is highly important. A group dynamic is formed that helps create an optimal learning environment. We ask that you make this commitment a top priority for the duration of the group. It is understood that occasionally an emergency may occur that will prevent you from attending group. If you are faced with an emergency or sudden illness, please contact your facilitator before group begins to let them know you will not be present.
Alexandra Manion, Ph.D.
Dr. Alexandra Manion is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist at Wolff Child Psychology. She received her Ph.D. in Child, Family, and School Psychology from the University of Denver, and her M.A in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado. Her experience and expertise represent a blend of both clinical and school-based delivery, with a focus on neuropsychological assessment and evidence-based intervention. Dr. Manion completed pre-doctoral training in pediatric neuropsychology at Children’s Hospital Colorado, in addition to completing an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship in neuropsychology at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI. Her assessment and intervention experience includes infants, children, and adolescents with learning disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, trauma, emotional and behavioral concerns, as well as complex medical presentations.
Dr. Manion previously worked as an early childhood and elementary educator in various schools within the Denver community, as well as a visual art educator across both school and museum settings. Dr. Manion regularly incorporates visual art into her therapy services, and also facilitates art therapy groups throughout the calendar year. She is an avid believer in the benefit of art and creative expression to deepen the therapeutic relationship, to enhance communication in sessions, and to provide clients with a multimodal, hands-on method to share their experiences. She promotes a strengths-focused approach across both evaluations and treatment, and is passionate about partnering with families and educators to provide wraparound support for children.