Junior
Art Therapy
“It took me four years to paint like Raphael but a lifetime to paint like a child”
–Pablo Picasso
children are born artists
Whereas they might not have developed the rational language yet to discuss an issue in depth, children need no encouragement to express themselves symbolically. For most children the idea of ‘going to make art’ is more appealing than going to talk about their problems. It’s a safe and familiar way for children to explore their emotions. The right side of our brain processes and stores intense emotional responses. So with art we are engaging the side of our brain that stores difficult emotions allowing for catharsis, or the release of the emotional charge associated with difficult experiences. This makes art therapy particularly beneficial for children who have experienced trauma. If we process these emotions in children we prevent them from becoming our neurosis in adult life.
Teenagers on the other hand may have the language to express themselves but may not want to. Sometimes traditional talk therapy can come across as cross examination. Art therapy which focuses on creativity first can be a non threatening alternative for teenagers to explore their emotions.
Art therapy is a space free from right or wrong
In a world where increasingly younger and younger children are feeling the pressure to achieve academic success, the importance of this cannot be overstated, especially for children with low self esteem. In addition to children who have experience trauma and children with low self esteem studies have shown that art therapy can be an effective intervention for children with; special educational needs and disabilities, with medical conditions, with juvenile offenders, with children who have no specific diagnosis but who are facing a variety of life challenges (Cohen-Yatziv & Regev, 2019). Positive changes have also been reported following art therapy interventions with relation to; classroom behaviour; Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Separation Anxiety Disorder (McDonald et al, 2018). Teachers also noted art therapy interventions resulted in positive changes in children’s overall stress levels, their classroom conduct, hyperactivity and prosocial behaviour. (McDonald et al 2019)
How it works
When working with children I don’t expect anything from them, except that they respect the space. I think this is essential for establishing a secure and trusting relationship. What’s also important is that I work with the child first and the parents second. What occurs in the session is confidential and will only be disclosed in case of actual or potential threat.
I work with children upstairs at Hudsons in Ballydehob, West Cork. If you think your child could benefit from art therapy and you would like to arrange a free consultation, or you are simply curious and have more questions, get in touch today!
