Sensory Art & Art Counseling
Students with disabilities have unique learning needs. Specialized, tailored support is key in helping them meet their full potential. Children and young adults with disabilities who have the opportunity to learn through the arts develop skills necessary for confidence, socialization, emotional regulation and improved academics.
CAP’s sensory art and art counseling programs assist students in gaining essential academic, emotional, social and therapeutic needs. CAP programs are tailored to fit the needs of students in each program.
Sensory Art
Sensory art introduces students to a variety of materials to allow them to experience different textures, shapes, sounds, colors, patterns and more. This exposure helps students explore new experiences in a fun and playful way and increases their ability to tolerate new stimuli. Sensory art also allows students to build fine motor skills, regulate emotions and increase attention tolerance. Sensory art programs are taught by professionals with experience in mental health/counseling or working with students with disabilities.
Sensory art programs are currently available at no cost to families at the following sites:
Hope Haven
Oak Hill Academy
Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center
Eligibility for CAP’s sensory art program is based on a number of factors. Contact your school for more information.
Art Counseling
In art counseling, art techniques are combined with mental health counseling to help students express their thoughts in a non-verbal way. Students can build self-confidence, reduce anxiety, strengthen connections with peers and learn to express themselves positively. The goal of art counseling is to help students find greater success both in and out of the classroom. Art Counseling is led by CAP’s Clinical Creative Art Counselor, a licensed mental health counselor.
Art counseling programs are currently available at no cost to families at the following sites:
Alfred I. duPont Middle
GRASP Academy
San Jose Elementary
Please check with your school or organization for open house and orientation dates for art counseling, or for obtaining a program referral.
Testimonials
“Art counseling groups and sensory art groups offer multifaceted benefits for children with autism, dyslexia, and mental health disorders. These creative environments foster self-expression, allowing children to communicate feelings and experiences that may be difficult to verbalize. Engaging in art-making can enhance fine motor skills, improve focus and boost confidence as children see their ideas materialize. The sensory aspects of art—such as textures, colors and movement—provide calming and stimulating experiences that can help regulate emotions and reduce anxiety. Moreover, participating in group settings cultivates social skills, promotes teamwork and nurtures a sense of belonging, which is vital for emotional development. By integrating art into therapeutic practices, we create a beautiful tapestry of healing and growth, empowering children to explore their identities and express their uniqueness while fostering resilience and joy.”
LaRhonda Britton-James, Creative Art Counselor, Cathedral Arts Project
“Sensory art has provided the Palm Avenue Team Up students with opportunities to be creative, self-sufficient and confident in their ability to follow directions that will lead to success as they transition from school to community.”
Bob Graver, Program Manager, Palm Avenue Exceptional Student Center – Jax PAL Team Up
“When we integrated art counseling into our educational programs, we not only saw a significant difference in our students’ academic performance and attendance rates, but the students loved that they were able to showcase their creativity and unique abilities beyond the traditional academic measures!”
Kindra Arneson, Assistant Principal, GRASP Academy
For More Information
If you are interested in learning more or bringing CAP’s sensory art & art counseling programs to your site, contact Melanie Hammer, VP of Strategy & Operations, at melanie@capkids.org.