Art Therapy and AD/HD: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches [Paperback]

Diane Stein Safran (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 16, 2002

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is increasingly being diagnosed in people of all ages, and this book demonstrates how art therapy can not only assist with diagnosis, but also provides a valuable means of helping to improve skills such as concentration and focus, boost self-esteem, and cope with impulsivity. Educational social skills art groups can help with understanding of AD/HD in addition to teaching strategies to relieve the symptoms. Art therapy is also important for alleviating feelings of isolation and confusion that may come with the diagnosis, and, as an ongoing process, it can be a useful tool for checking clients' progress from the initial assessment onwards. In the first part of her book, the author explores ways of using art therapy and of setting up art therapy groups. Her advice and practical suggestions will be useful to anyone with an interest in AD/HD. The later chapters offer therapists more detailed guidance on therapy sessions with clients with AD/HD. Practical and informative, and based on the author's long experience with art therapy and AD/HD, this will be a valuable book for therapists, mental health professionals, and people who live or work with AD/HD.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Diane Safran is a registered, board certified art therapist, a licensed clinical marriage and family therapist, and is the co-founder of the Attention Deficit Disorders Institute (ADDI) in Connecticut. She has over twenty years' experience as an art therapist, working with children, adolescents, adults and families, and has lectured throughout the United States on the use of art therapy with the AD/HD population. In addition, Mrs Safran is a court appointed expert witness using art therapy to determine signs of abuse in children. She is married with four grown children. Both her husband and two of her daughters have AD/HD.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley; 1 edition (April 16, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843107090
• ISBN-13: 978-1843107095
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #860,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a therapist's guide for group work with children with AD/HD, August 1, 2002

By 

bonny willett (Connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art Therapy and AD/HD: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches (Paperback)

This is a very good resource for therapists working with children with AD/HD, families with AD/HD and adults with AD/HD. Written in a down to earth style the book briefly reviews the history of AD/HD,tells how to assess children,families and adults and suggests appropriate assessment tools to use. Though the book is not geared to individual work, it coaches the reader in how to set up groups for children, families and adults. In addition, the book includes an excellent resource appendix for the therapist and parent education.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Art Therapy: A must with ADHD, July 13, 2002

By 

Dr. Myra Levick (Boca Raton, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art Therapy and AD/HD: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches (Paperback)

In this book, Diane Safran clearly demonstrates her knowledge and skill as a highly qualified art therapist. More importantly, in this work she brilliantly demonstrates the efficacy of this discipline in diagnosing and treating this disorder.
What is most impressive is her sensitivity to and the awareness of the pervasive impact this disorder has on the whole family. Regardless of whether the patient is a child or an adult, once the diagnosis is made, Safran and her team are prepared to address individual, family and environmental issues impacting on future progress of the patient.
The text is well written, the format easy to follow and the case studies and illustrations excellent.
As a pioneer in the field of art therapy education, I recommend this book not only to those teachers and mental health professionals working with ADHD populations, but to students in all fields of mental health who need to be informed about the value of this discipline as an adjunct to their practice and as a significant modality that may be a treatment of choice.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awakening and Supporting AD and HD at any Age, July 11, 2002

By 

Irving Herman (Las Vegas, NV. United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art Therapy and AD/HD: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches (Paperback)

This book should fall into the hands of professionals and families whose lives have been affected by contact with this illness.

The methodology of art therapy is an insight not only to expose repressed feelings as well as helping to define the perspectives of those with antisocial behavior patterns.

The clarity of this easily read book and the dedication of the author's efforts should give impetus to new hope for those who have struggled with this neurological problem.

This reviewer's first hand encounters with the symptoms of ADand HD,hyperactivity, distractibility and impulsivity which evoked only a loving empathy found the contents of the book a hope-filled horizon.

By teaching and giving vent through physical expression in art forms many more senses are engaged leading to awakenings, the author encourages, thereby moving all concerned to more pragmatic and redeeming stages of self regard and social responsibility.

Ms. Safran's studies and conclusions may well repave many paths filled with frustrations and heartbreak for families while providing a seemingly simple method to self discovery for the
ADandHD affected.....at any age.