Cognitive-Constructivist Art Therapy Model: A Pragmatic Approach for Social Work Practice

Abstract

Cognitive-constructivism has gained increased scholarly attention within the social sciences with roots grounded in a variety of human behavior theories. A major limitation inherent within constructivist meta-theory, however, is the paucity of strategic and pragmatic techniques to substantiate its practice utility. Specificity of technique, whereby clinical procedures are introduced within this theoretical framework, has not proliferated as strongly as the philosophical critiques in this content area. This analysis responds to this theoretical limitation by presenting a treatment framework that integrates art therapy methodology into a cognitive-constructivist theoretical model in treating early adolescent girls who have experienced childhood sexual abuse. The presented treatment methodology details art therapy techniques as linked to constructivist treatment phases, with therapeutic goals reflective of the theory's underlying principles.

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