How a Children Therapist Skilled in Art Therapy Can Help Children
At the tender age of ten, Emily finds school to be a challenging environment. Her peer group tends to have frequent disputes, talk behind each other’s backs, and give each other the cold shoulder. This is very difficult for Emily, who has anxiety, making her feel like she doesn’t belong. When her parents tried to discuss this situation with Emily she tended to be angry and not want to elaborate further. Her parents noticed that Emily is no longer sleeping well and she seems to be showing signs of anxiety suffering from stomach aches and not wanting to go to school every day. Thus they naturally decided to seek out a children therapist who specializes in art therapy to support her and give her coping tools during this time.
What Does Art Therapy Look Like with a Children Therapist?
Art therapy is a blend of psychotherapy and creative art making. It does not require any artistic skill to participate, as the focus is not on the aesthetic value of the artwork but on the expression of feelings. People can use different materials they choose, such as modeling clay, collage, pastels, pencils, crayons, markers, and paint to create their art. The art is not graded for its aesthetic value but serves as a medium for individuals to express their emotions. After creating the art, it is discussed with the children therapist, exploring what it means to the client.
It is important to seek an art therapist who has appropriate training in this modality. Art therapists have special training and are usually members of the Canadian Art Therapy Association. This provides an excellent opportunity to talk about coping skills and offer different types of tools to help the client manage their emotions.
Benefits of Art Therapy with a Children Therapist
Art therapy offers a myriad of benefits that transcend traditional therapeutic approaches. By providing a non-verbal outlet for emotions, it enhances self-esteem, and self-awareness, and fosters emotional resilience. This list is not exhaustive; the profound impacts of art therapy extend far beyond these points, encouraging creative thinking, processing traumatic experiences, and strengthening problem-solving skills. For children like Emily, art therapy can be a sanctuary where they can navigate their feelings, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and find relaxation and stress relief while developing their social skills in a safe space for expression. Art therapy can be beneficial for:
- Provides a non-verbal outlet for emotions
- Enhances self-esteem and self-awareness
- Improves emotional resilience
- Encourages creative thinking
- Helps with processing traumatic experiences
- Strengthens problem-solving skills
- Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Promotes relaxation and stress relief
- Supports social skills development
- Offers a safe space for expression
Top Five Issues Art Therapy with a Children Therapist Helps Children With
- Anxiety: Anxiety is a condition characterized by persistent feelings of worry, fear, and unease. Children with anxiety may experience symptoms such as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. Seeking help can provide relief and strategies to manage these overwhelming emotions.
- Depression: Depression is a mood disorder that results in feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities once enjoyed. Symptoms in children may include changes in sleep and appetite, withdrawal from friends and family, and difficulties in school performance. It is crucial to seek support to address these symptoms and improve overall mental health.
- Grief: Grief is an emotional response to loss, which can deeply affect a child’s well-being. Symptoms may include intense sadness, crying, anger, confusion, and withdrawal from social interactions. Professional help with a child therapist can assist children in processing their grief and finding ways to cope with their emotions.
- Self-esteem Issues: Low self-esteem can hinder a child’s confidence and sense of self-worth. Symptoms might include negative self-talk, reluctance to try new things, and high sensitivity to criticism. Addressing self-esteem issues through working with a child therapist can empower children to develop a healthier self-image and boost their confidence.
- Trauma: Trauma results from experiencing or witnessing distressing events, leading to emotional and psychological difficulties. Children may exhibit symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, heightened anxiety, and mood swings. Art therapy with a child therapist provides a safe space to process these experiences and develop resilience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if your child is struggling with their emotions, seeking the support of a children therapist who uses art therapy can be highly beneficial. Art therapy offers a unique blend of psychotherapy and creative expression, providing a safe and supportive environment for children to explore their feelings and develop coping strategies. Consider reaching out to a child therapist to see how they can help your child navigate their emotional challenges and enhance their overall well-being.
About
Heather Caruso is a compassionate, skilled, and intuitive therapist offering in person sessions in Guelph ON and online therapy. She is a registered Canadian art therapist, registered psychotherapist, trauma counselor and narcissistic abuse treatment clinician. She offers a unique blend of therapeutic approaches to help her clients navigate their healing journeys. Heather’s deep empathy and expertise create a safe and nurturing environment for those dealing with a mental health issue. Her areas of expertise are anxiety, depression, grief, low self esteem, stress management, trauma, PTSD and navigating big life changes. Heather offers one on one sessions for children from Ontario.
To support individuals in finding the right therapeutic path for their unique needs, she offers a free Zoom chat where people can ask questions and determine if her therapy services are a good fit for their needs. To book an appointment, click the button below.
