Presenter
Shauna Bienvenue, CMHC-S
Document Type
Digital Slide Show Presentation
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
Adolescents face unique emotional and social challenges that increase their susceptibility to social anxiety. Traditional talk therapy often fails to engage them, highlighting the need for alternative approaches suited to their developmental stage. Creative expression—through drawing, painting, and digital art—provide a safe, nonverbal outlet for self-exploration, allowing adolescents to externalize fears and self-conscious thoughts. This process promotes emotional regulation, enhanced coping skills, boosted self-confidence, and reduces social anxiety symptoms.
This presentation summarized research on the effectiveness of creative expression in adolescent mental health counseling. It highlighted how expressive arts enhanced self-expression, reduced anxiety, and strengthened interpersonal connections, demonstrating their value as a holistic, developmentally appropriate treatment approach.
Various creative art forms were integrated into therapy to alleviate social anxiety and distress. Group creative activities encouraged social interaction and collaboration, helping adolescents develop empathy, improve communication, and build meaningful relationships. Shared art-making fostered a sense of community, reducing isolation and social withdrawal, which were closely tied to social anxiety. Additionally, creative expression empowered adolescents by offering structured yet flexible self-expression, complementing traditional therapy.
Faculty Mentor
Jessica Paulhus, Ph.D., LMHC, LCDP, CCS, CAGS
Academic Discipline
College of Arts & Sciences
Repository Citation
Bienvenue, Shauna, "A Path to Wellness & Connection for Adolescents" (2025). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 236.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/236
