2024 Youth Groups
Our youth art therapy groups support resilience and positive connections by utilizing developmentally appropriate interventions related to emotional need and goals. Below is a list of current youth groups.
Affected by
Domestic Violence
Growing up in an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear can have a range of adverse behavioral and emotional effects.
Alternative Schools
Different circumstances can make the need for a more supportive educational environment necessary for youth to move forward in their schooling.
System Involved
Often, youth have some form of trauma before entering the legal system that can go unaddressed without support and intervention.
Foster Care
Children placed in foster care have been removed from their homes and separated from their families; unique needs particular to this experience include difficulties feeling safe and trusting others.
Homeless
Disruptive family conditions, such as abuse or financial issues, are some of the reasons that young people leave or are forced out of their homes.
Medically Complex
The challenges of normal adolescence compounded by a complex medical/rehabilitative condition, such as loss of a limb or traumatic brain injury, can have an impact on social and emotional development.
2024 Adult Groups
Adults in our art therapy groups find new ways to express emotions and tell their stories, connect with others with similar experiences and find hope for the future. Below is a list of current adult groups.
Kinship Caregivers
Secondary, or vicarious trauma, is often seen when caring for others. It can take a toll on emotional wellness and increase the need for self-care practices.
Domestic & Intimate Partner Violence
Breaking the cycle of dominance, control and violence can have long lasting effects on the mental and physical health of those who have managed to get out of these relationships.
LGBTQIA+
LGBTQIA+ community members cope with PTSD, depression, anxiety and substance abuse issues and deserve affirmative treatment regardless of background.
Sexual Assault Survivors
Sexual violence affects people of all genders and ages and can result in emotional challenges such as PTSD, depression, shame, difficulty with new relationships, fear and feelings of isolation.
Substance Use Recovery
Stopping drug use is just one part of the recovery process and is often compounded with other issues such as rebuilding relationships, managing triggers and finding healthier ways to cope with stressors.
Survivors of Torture
Survivors arrive in New York City after enduring torture and persecution in their countries of origin because of their sexual orientation, political or religious beliefs.
Frontline Workers
Those who give their all everyday to the health and safety of others, often have difficulty making time for themselves. Taking an hour to focus on self-care can support the ability to continue to provide help and support to others.
Veterans
Veterans confront issues surrounding re-entry to civilian life, post-traumatic stress, military sexual trauma, substance abuse and other life stressors.
Special Programming
Mural Projects
In 2018, The Art Therapy Project collaborated with mural artist Catherine Czerwisnki from Idol Hands and introduced community mural making to several of our art therapy groups. This wonderful overlap with our art therapy model was a unique opportunity for clients to come together and share inspiring artwork in the communities where they spend time.
The mural project in the following video captured the collaboration between Idol Hands and our clients from The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) from August 2018. Each client sketched out their hopes and dreams for the future and translated their ideas onto their own canvas. Captured here is an interview with Kathy Hollwitz, one of CJA's clinical therapists.