Art Therapy with children is meaningful and productive. Art is our first language and works well when words cannot be found. A continuum of pictures drawn by a child is the starting place for a story of their feelings and thoughts.

Each piece works as a container—a safe place to store or “contain” the pieces of their lives that are upsetting or confusing—a place where the child and the therapist can begin to transform those feelings into healthier expressions.

When aggressive feelings are expressed into a piece of art that has meaning and value to a child, sublimation can occur.

Benefits include cognitive, emotional and psychosocial goals that can be met through the use of art processes during counseling with children. Interpersonal skills are improved. Anxiety is eased. Frustration or feelings of loss are addressed gently and effectively.

Labels: art therapy children