ART THERAPISTS WORK WITH CHILDREN TO:
explore feelings
process emotional
resolve conflicts
build self-awareness
improve self-esteem
reduce stress and anxiety
symbolically expressions
What is ART THERAPY?
Art therapy combines the creative process and psychotherapy to help facilitate self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour, textures and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process allows for the expression of thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to articulate otherwise.
Feeling upset or struggling with difficult emotions can be challenging for anyone, especially children. Art therapy is a valuable tool in helping people of all ages work through problems in a different way, imagine new solutions or endings, and generally feel better. By creating art, individuals can externalize their thoughts and feelings onto a page, providing distance between themselves and the issue they are grappling with.
When it comes to children, using art therapy assists them in expressing emotions they cannot put into words. The artwork they create acts as a starting point for dialogue that is tangible and easier for them to reflect on. This enjoyable and non-threatening approach to creating allows children to uncover and manage their feelings more effectively.
BENEFITS OF ART THERAPY:
Expressive | Art is an outward expression of energy, thoughts, and feelings.
Familiar | The process of creating art is familiar with need no special instruction to get started.
Whimsical | Working creatively in a non-judgmental and non-academic way allows for a joyful experience.
Positive | Being creative can be an enjoyable experience that positively shifts moods.
Externalizing | Creating artwork provides children with a medium to express complex issues that are often hard to articulate while providing a new perspective.
Empowering | Finding success in the creative process improves one's skills and appreciation of mastery, strengthening their self-esteem.
Concrete | Artwork remains with the child as a positive reminder of their creativity and accomplishments.
Mindful | Creating art provides an opportunity for individuals to practice focus and mindfulness.