What is art therapy?

Children often find it difficult to express their feelings. At this highly formative period of their lives, the behaviours that they develop will have an impact on the whole of their future lives. When a child cannot talk about their painful and difficult feelings, these feelings can find expression in challenging behaviours, neurotic symptoms and/or physical ailments.

Art Therapy uses various media – drawing, painting, sand play, music, poetry, puppetry, movement and mental imagery – as the primary means of communication. Although creative techniques are used, no previous experience or skill in art is necessary. The art therapist facilitates the exploration and communication of children’s thoughts and feelings through the use of art.

Children/adolescents meet with a person with whom they feel comfortable, at the same time each week. In this way, they can build a relationship in a safe space with an empathic adult who offers quality listening and understanding. Art therapy is not dependent on spoken language and can be helpful to anyone who finds it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings verbally.

How does it help?

The art therapist functions as an emotional regulator enabling the child to process emotional experience effectively. He or she works with the child’s inner world safely and non-intrusively, with respect for the child’s own pace and state of being. For example, a drawing may be used to process feelings that the child cannot find words for and clay modelling can act as a calming activity which enables emotional regulation and develops self-soothing mechanisms in the brain.

Who can benefit?

Children and adolescents with a range of issues including those:

• In danger of exclusion from school
• Experiencing emotional and behavioural difficulties
• With social and communication difficulties
• Struggling with bereavement, changes in family structure or illness
• Suffering abuse, bullying or trauma
• With autism spectrum disorders
• With child protection concerns, including experience of abuse or exposure to domestic violence
• Any child who may appear withdrawn or anxious, angry, depressed, moody, violent or disaffected may also benefit from art therapy

How are children referred?

Most of my referrals happen through word of mouth, when teachers and parents contact me about children that have been identified as having challenging behaviours or emotional problems.

Why did you become an art therapist?

I initially qualified as an Early Years school teacher and, after having three children of my own, I became fascinated by the intricacies of child and adolescent development. So, I decided to go back and train as a child and adolescent psychotherapist, using the arts.

Can you give us an example of how art therapy has helped?

Katie* is an 8 year old girl who has witnessed domestic violence. Her anger would constantly erupt into violence towards her peers at school. Through using clay modelling she has found a medium to calm her intense emotions and been able to talk about what lies behind her anger.

Charlie* is a 14 year old boy. He has grown up in a household where drug dealing is the norm. Beginning with the shared reading of graphic comic novels, he has gone on to tell the story of his own life in the form of a series of cartoon drawings. He has learned to understand and communicate his feelings to others which has helped him navigate the difficult challenges of adolescence.

• Mary Kain 07912521055 mary.kain@btinternet.com

• words: Mary Kain

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