Effects of Art Therapy with Juveniles in Lock-Up

Kelly Towle
Art Therapy
Semester 1



My first few attempts to write this paper were very

frustrating. I was discouraged at not being able to find

information over the internet. My search led me to the

City Library, where I also found limited resources. It was

suggested I try the University Library. It was there that

I found books on the topic and once I began to write, the

process took on a life of its own.



I was drawn to this population from my own personal

experiences. During my formative teen years, I spent some

time in a locked Youth Detention Center. Overwhelming and

turbulent feelings of anger, confusion, shame, and

lonliness consumed me on a daily basis. Important

decisions were being made in regards to my welfare,

however, no-one ever consulted me in the process. Since I

was unable to give voice to those feelings, I recoiled

inside and stayed there for many years. It took time and

therapy...