Painting and design as a resource in counselling: Art therapy with young people at risk of exclusion who are seeking employment

The transition from school to working life is particularly difficult for disadvantaged young people. As a result, they often shy away from addressing the issue of 'starting a career'. Art therapy is a useful addition to educational and career guidance, as it allows young people at risk of exclusion to be gently introduced to the topic. Their self-esteem is strengthened, fears are alleviated, career aspirations are identified and goals are formulated. Autonomy and self-determination replace powerlessness, communication (non-verbal/verbal) replaces speechlessness. Art therapy is an extremely effective resource that can help prevent the exclusion of young people. This work describes the theoretical background and the course of painting and art therapy sessions with two disadvantaged young people.