ITA’s dynamic and engaging therapy groups use the arts to create an environment where peers are working collaboratively. Therapists help clients learn to accept the ideas of others and compromise, while creative arts therapy provides unique opportunities for clients to create and perform together through interactive music-making, story-creation, visual art projects and movement. Experienced and caring therapists promote dialogue between group members and address social skill development, facilitating opportunities to enhance empathy, initiation and cooperative play. Groups are formed continuously in order to meet the ever-changing needs of clients. ITA therapists determine if group placement is appropriate after the intake evaluation is conducted.
For all group inquiries, please contact the Intake Line:
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CBT/DBT Skills Training Art Therapy Groups
For Adolescents and Adults
The Institute for Therapy through the Arts is offering CBT/DBT art therapy groups for adolescents and adults on Monday evenings. This 8-part series will introduce a new skill each week and an art experience incorporating that new skill. CBT/DBT (Cognitive/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) Skills are beneficial in helping you manage strong emotions, develop healthy coping strategies and enhance interpersonal relationships. Art therapy directives offer a hands-on, process-oriented learning experience to develop strategies for emotional and behavioral growth and regulation.
Date/Time: Pre-Adolescent Sessions – Mondays 4PM – 5PM
Adolescent Sessions – Mondays 5PM – 6PM
Adult Sessions – Mondays, 6PM – 7PM
Price: $36 per session or $240 for 8 session package
Location: Evanston
Kids Can Be Heroes
Comic Art and Costume Play for Pre-Teen Boys
Be your favorite character while exploring self-identity, building self-esteem and developing social skills through the world of comic books, superheroes, and fantasy literature. Ideal for 10-13 year old males with mild to moderate emotional or social difficulties.
Date/Time: Saturdays, 12pm
Price: $79 per session
Location: Evanston
BEATS
Building Expression with Autism through Song
Increase attention and task-oriented behavior necessary for social and school environments through movement to music, instrument play, and singing. Ideal for children ages 3-5 with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Date/Time: Saturdays, TBA (10 sessions)
Price: $79 per session
Location: Evanston
Game On
Gameplay for Young Adults with Intellectual and Cognitive Disabilities
Discover the power of play. Have fun while using games as teaching aids to learn social and communication skills, team-building, and accommodation, collaboration, and flexibility practices.
Date/Time: Saturdays, 2pm
Price: $79 per session
Location: Evanston
TEAM
Therapeutic Expression in Adults through Music
Build connection with a close group of peers using your favorite music. Ideal for young adults ages with social communication difficulties and moderate intellectual disabilities. Group in inclusive of all levels of physical abilities.
Date/Time: Saturdays, 4pm
Price: $79 per session
Location: Evanston
Group Options
Friendship Can Be Magic
Art and Drama for Teen Girls
Whether it’s drawing your favorite T.V. character or designing your dream house, do it together with other teen girls. Learn to believe in yourself while building trust with others.
Ideal for 11-14 year old females with difficulty forming relationships
“Put me in, C.O.A.C.H.”
Conversational Opportunities using the Arts, Creativity and Humor
It’s improv! It’s role play! It’s using comedic scenes for the purpose of practicing social skills.
Ideal for adults, ages 21 and up, with communication issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Healthy Aging through Singing
Ideal for adults with primary progressive aphasia and dementia
Enjoy participating in a group vocal ensemble for the purpose of promoting memory and expressive communication. Enhance your social opportunities and create a sense of community.
Geeking Out
Pop Culture Therapy
Feel proud of your interests. Share the books, T.V. Shows, movies, and games you enjoy and encourage others to do the same. This 10 week “geek” therapy group targets respecting each other’s interests, practicing constructive criticism, and increasing social cooperation.
Ideal for adults, ages 18 and up, with mild social communication issues.
Moving Memories, Creating Connections
For individuals with Primary Progressive Aphasia and Dementia
Expand up your natural movements and rhythms of your body to increase your strength and abilities. Movement serves to organize both the body and mind while expressing the spirit. Creative collaboration through movement and music, within a safe and supportive space, manifests new potentials and possibilities for self-expression and coping with daily stressors. No dance training required!
For all group inquiries, please contact the Intake Line:
***Financial Aid can be applied to any of the available groups. Please email info@itachicago.org for more information.