A poignant article, “How art therapy may help children raised in poverty, violence, and other trauma”, was recently published in the Philadelphia Inquirer about the success of art therapy services at The Stephen and Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services of Drexel University.
As the Director of the Creative Arts Therapies Department at 11th St., a Board Certified Dance/movement Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor, I wish that article titles would reflect the effectiveness that is, indeed, happening. Because I continually witness client treatment progress and hear family anecdotes about its positive effects, I would confidently change the article title to “How art therapy is helping.” However, in order for that type of headline to be declared, we need capacity to gather more evidence-based data.
Since opening in 1996, 11th Street’s innovative approach to integrated health care has grown. Recently, we hosted a grand opening of 11th Street’s new wing and remodeled original building. Excitingly, the new addition includes the Rainer Suite for Creative Arts Therapies with an art therapy studio, a dance/movement therapy studio and a music therapy studio. This expansion complements our other behavioral health services, which include: 1) counseling with clinical social workers and psychologists; 2) medication evaluation and management available to those active in counseling; and 3) short-term Primary Care Behavioral Health consultation and brief counseling. With all of these outpatient behavioral health services, we are able to offer a variety of modalities to uniquely serve an individual’s needs.
So what can you expect as a client in the creative arts therapies? Your creative arts therapist will design clinical scenarios unique to your needs, using a specific art modality (dance, music or art) to help you express your challenges and strengths, and creatively problem-solve more effective solutions for your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. We work with children, adolescents and adults, offering short-term and long-term individual sessions, as well as group therapy. We can serve as your primary therapist, or in conjunction with one of more traditional therapists at 11th Street.
In this New Year if you’re looking to take charge of your mental health and physical health consider making The Stephen and Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services your new healthcare home. We are open to everyone.
For more information and appointments, contact Lindsay M. Edwards, MA, BC-DMT, LPC at (215) 769-1115. To make an appointment for Primary Care or Oral Care, call (215) 769-1100.
