Gatehouse Academy Presents "Integrating Art Into the Play Therapy Session"

PHOENIX, AZ–(Marketwire – July 8, 2010) –  Brenda J. Fox, MS, ATR-BC, a therapist from the Gatehouse Academy, recently presented a 2.5 hour session in Phoenix, Arizona to introduce how the use of art and art therapy enhances the power of play in play therapy. The participants learned how different art materials are used and can be incorporated into the play therapy session. Each member was also able to participate in an experiential art therapy technique, which can be used with any age group.

The workshop accomplished the following five objectives for the play therapists in attendance:

1. Learn how the use of art therapy enriches and supports play therapy.
2. Understand the benefits of art therapy and play.
3. Discover how various art mediums work in the play therapy session.
4. Learn when to use art material as a therapeutic intervention in play therapy.
5. Learn how to explore anger through experiencing a “hands on” art therapy technique to be used in play therapy.

“We are very proud of the work Brenda has been able to accomplish here at Gatehouse Academy and outside of our drug rehab program,” states Mike Baldassare, Director of Admissions. “She is an integral part of our addiction treatment team and has helped countless residents here get well through the power of Art Therapy.” Brenda currently works with young adults recovering from substance abuse at the Gatehouse Academy in Arizona. Fox has also worked with women with eating disorders and has facilitated family art therapy groups at in-patient settings. Her experience includes speaking at conferences and workshops, teaching didactics, group facilitation, individual therapy, leading retreats, and writing articles on art therapy featured in the Arizona Republic and Seventeen Magazine.

For more information, visit www.gatehouseacademy.com.

About Gatehouse Academy

Gatehouse Academy is a co-educational long term drug rehab program and addiction treatment center exclusively for young adults ages 17 to 25 with chemical dependency and dual diagnosis disorders. Residents are taught responsibility, accountability, life skills, social skills, and work ethic, while receiving an equal blend of therapeutic and clinical services. Twelve-step recovery is the foundation of the program and daily meetings are attended in the community.