Abstract
Scientific research consistently demonstrates that art has physical, cognitive, psychological, and social benefits for children. These benefits increased when art was applied in a therapeutic way (Cochran, 1996; Malchiodi, 1998; 2005; Schirrmacher, 2006; Nadkarni & Leonard, 2007). This has resulted in the development and popularity of expressive art therapies by other helping professions. It is time for social work to do the same. While social workers may use expressive art in their direct practice with children, there is little literature reflecting this practice. The author tried to explain this disconnection by surveying 61 social work graduate students on their knowledge, utilization, and definition of art and art in therapy. The 52-item survey was comprised of Likert-Scale and Yes-No format questions designed by the author. The researcher concluded the disconnection between social workers’ knowledge and use of art in therapy is because of a lack of exposure to it in their education. As a result social workers are less likely to use this method in their practice and/or conduct research on this intervention.