Description
124: Group Counseling for Teens: Logotherapy with Expressive Arts Techniques
Julie Quigley, Ph.D.
Quigley Christian Counseling, LLC
600 E. Carmel Dr., Ste. 148
Carmel, IN 46032
Summary
The lack of in-person social and emotional connection due to the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted adolescent identity development and their sense of belonging that cannot be attained through social media alone. This type of interruption in adolescent development can increase emotional responses, such as anxiety, depression, and life’s meaninglessness. Most group counseling curricula address emotion regulation techniques, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), for this age group. Still, they do not address identity development, searching for a person’s meaning, or their current role as adolescents. Victor Frankl’s Logotherapy has shown positive outcomes in improving a healthy perception of adolescents’ identity and finding meaning and purpose in their lives. Research has shown that expressive arts group therapy techniques provide a safe and non-threatening space for facilitating insight, self-expression, peer interaction, and self-exploration. Logotherapy and infused expressive arts techniques are complementary in promoting self-identity and life, meaning exploration in a group counseling environment. I will present a group counseling approach using Victor Frankl’s Logotherapy, infused with expressive arts techniques, that addresses the following identity questions: “Who am I?;” “What is my purpose?;” and “Where do I belong?” Licensed professional counselors, psychologists, youth pastors, pastoral counselors, etc. can use this integrative group counseling curriculum with Christian clients in school, mental health, virtual, and church settings.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Identify the foundational principles of Logotherapy and how to incorporate expressive art techniques in this group counseling therapy for licensed mental health professionals
• Identify the religious aspects within the group counseling techniques that facilitate the participants’ development of their meaning in life
• Discuss strategies for licensed mental health professionals to implement the presented group counseling curriculum in diverse counseling environments, including Christian clients
