Abstract

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.

The major part of the book is taken up with these case studies, and with descriptions of therapy groups together with the positive outcomes for many of the participants. This aspect of the book provides a lot of very useful and practice advice for therapist. Much of this information about planning and methods could also be very helpful to teachers.
Division of Educational Psychologist
This book is a welcome addition to the art therapy literature and should be read by those who specialise in this field or who are planning to start art therapy groups for these clients.
British Journal of Occupational Therapy
Diane Stein 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. Her husband and two of her daughters have AD/HD.