Abstract

The following theoretical research will present, based on a concise literature review, the outline for a new art therapy program intended for latency-aged children diagnosed with internalizing disorders with or without comorbid externalizing features. Grounded in a cognitive-behavioral model and informed by positive psychology, the proposed program will aim to strengthen resilience and increase problem-solving skills through short-term, solution-focused group interventions. The rationale for developing such a new art therapy program is based on literature suggesting that most existing treatment programs are devised primarily for either internalizing or externalizing disorders despite the well documented comorbidity of such childhood mental issues. Furthermore, literature supports the need to devise more age-appropriate interventions for latency-aged clients based on the recognition that many effective intervention programs fail when applied to pediatric populations as these programs may not be suited to meet the developmental needs and cognitive abilities of this young age group.