Art Therapy Center for Children with Selective Mutism. Fostering Expression and Empowerment through Art

This thesis delves into the exploration of designing an art therapy center tailored for children with selective mutism. Selective mutism poses unique challenges in communication for affected children, hindering their expressive capacities. The study further investigates existing therapeutic spaces, identifying their strengths and limitations in addressing the individual needs of children with selective mutism. Through qualitative research methods, including interviews, case studies, and field studies, the researcher seeks to extract insights from professionals in the field, fostering a holistic and inclusive design approach. Ultimately, the thesis aims to propose a design for an art therapy center optimized for children with selective mutism. This design will incorporate evidence-based design principles, sensory considerations, and therapeutic methodologies to create a safe, supportive, and empowering space for children to express themselves through art. The outcomes of this research holds the potential to significantly contribute to the design of an art therapy center for children with selective mutism, enriching their lives and fostering a sense of empowerment through transformative art mediums.