Art Therapy Training Held at IGU for Psychological Counselors and Guidance Teachers

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) hosted a professional development training program aimed at specialists working in the field of guidance and psychological counseling. As part of the program, Asst. Prof. Volkan Demir, a Faculty Member of the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, delivered a seminar on art therapy–based approaches. The seminar addressed the psychological, emotional, and social effects of art therapy in the developmental processes of children and adolescents. The event was attended by IGU Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Serdar Egeli, Bahçelievler Guidance and Research Center Director Mehmet Ali Deniz, Head of Special Education and Guidance and Support Services Branch Ebru Uzun, Head of the Psychological Counseling and Guidance (PCG) Department Elif Gür, as well as psychological counselors and guidance teachers working in the Bahçelievler district.

Art Therapy–Based Approaches Discussed

The aim of the training program was stated as examining the psychological, emotional, and social effects of art therapy in the developmental processes of children and adolescents, raising awareness among professionals working in the field of guidance and psychological counseling, and providing practice-oriented knowledge sharing. Within the scope of the program, Asst. Prof. Volkan Demir’s seminar covered art therapy based approaches, methods supporting child and adolescent mental health, and practical application examples that can be used in the field.

“Interdisciplinary Approaches Find Their Place in Practice”

Speaking at the event, IGU Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Serdar Egeli emphasized that universities should support practices that directly engage with the field, in addition to producing knowledge. He stated:
“This training is a valuable initiative that aims to understand and support an individual’s emotional world, inner processes, and communication styles through art. For this reason, we believe it will make a significant contribution to the professional competence of psychological counselors, especially those working with children and young people. As Istanbul Gelişim University, we advocate that education develops not only within campus boundaries but also through continuous interaction with society. In this direction, we are strengthening our collaborations every day with professionals working in guidance, psychological counseling, and special education. Because the healthy development of our children and young people requires social, emotional, and psychological support processes to be addressed holistically, alongside academic knowledge.”

Community-Oriented Academic Studies Continue

In addition to its academic studies in the fields of guidance, psychological counseling, and special education, Istanbul Gelisim University continues to produce social contributions through practice-oriented training programs and inter-institutional collaborations. By focusing on interdisciplinary approaches that support child and adolescent mental health, the university aims to contribute to the professional development of specialists working in the field through such activities.