Expressive Therapy

Two types of pet therapy, Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), are available to your child at the UChicago Medicine AdventHealth GlenOaks School to decrease signs of depression, stress and anxiety. The AAA is the therapeutic use of animals in a casual meet-and-greet format without a specific treatment plan. The AAT is designed to meet participants' specific needs and treatment goals and is delivered by a certified mental health professional.

The UChicago Medicine AdventHealth GlenOaks School uses AAA and AAT to assist students in meeting their emotional goals and increasing self-awareness. Rabbits, aquariums, dogs and horses will help your child work toward goals in areas such as social skills, staying on task, developing healthy coping strategies, improving self-confidence, reducing anxiety and increasing the ability to empathize with others.

An effective form of counseling for teenagers, art therapy uses the creative process of making art to improve and enhance our students' physical, mental and emotional well-being. It is based on the belief that creative self-expression helps people resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior and reduce stress.

During music therapy, your child can play instruments, sing, explore rhythms and discuss lyrics as an outlet for expressing feelings, trying new activities and enhancing relaxation. Songwriting and music-making facilitate success in self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision-making, interpersonal skills and social awareness.

Recreation therapy is a treatment in which games or other group activities are used to modify behavior, awaken social interests and improve the ability to function in socially acceptable ways. Recreation therapists regulate the program content in accordance with students' capabilities, needs and interests. They may help students with relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, concentration and other activities to reduce stress and tension. They also instruct students in calisthenics, stretching, individual and group sports, and leisure activities.