Abstract
This paper presents a novel art therapy group curriculum designed to empower caregivers in
supporting their children's mental well-being, particularly during the transition from individual
therapy services. Recognizing that caregivers often feel unequipped to sustain therapeutic
progress independently at home, frequently experience burnout, and return to services, this
curriculum addresses a critical gap in current support systems. The impact of a lack of caregiver
involvement in their child’s treatment can lead to slower progress and less effective therapy. The
proposed six-week "Empower Group" integrates principles from Art Therapy Relational
Neuroscience (ATR-N), Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
(SFBT), and Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI). By combining these evidence-based
frameworks, the comprehensive curriculum aims to implement a collaborative approach to
enhance and strengthen caregiver-child relationships, foster a secure environment, and equip
caregivers with practical skills in areas such as attunement, emotional regulation, and
communication. The methodology emphasizes the use of art experientials to facilitate learning,
promote self-efficacy, and mitigate caregiver stress. This structured approach seeks to ensure that
therapeutic gains are maintained, ultimately improving outcomes for children and families by
building caregiver confidence and competence outside of formal treatment settings.
Keywords: art therapy, caregiver groups, trust-based, interpersonal, strengths-based,
attachment, neuroscience, burnout, Nurture Group