Art Therapy
About Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a creative, client-led approach that enables children to explore and express themselves in a safe environment. Art therapy uses both speaking and non-speaking communication to help children explore their internal experiences, sensory processing, emotional well-being, reduce anxiety, improve self-esteem, develop functional skills and enhance their ability to connect with others.
Art Therapy can help children achieve emotional sensory, and functional goals related to:
- Mental health: Art Therapy offers both calming and regulating effects during creation, while also fostering reflection and clarity upon completion of an art piece. Engaging in art-making enables children and adolescents to cultivate healthy coping mechanisms for use in their daily lives.
- Emotional regulation: Art therapy facilitates the reflection of one's inner world through creating tangible representations of real experiences, relationships, and thoughts. These creations can then be deconstructed to deepen the understanding of emotions.
- Self-expression, communication and confidence: Art therapy offers a safe environment for self-expression, communication, self-advocacy and confidence building. It supports various social and emotional goals, including developing a sense of self, practising social skills, and expressing difficult emotions through art rather than words.
- Sensory regulation: Art Therapy utilises sensory-rich activities with various materials, stimulating tactile, olfactory, and proprioceptive senses. Through gradual exposure and exploration, children are empowered with choice and control in a secure environment, fostering sensory integration and tolerance.
- Fine motor skills: Art therapy enhances fine motor skills by mastering tools and coordinating movements across different mediums. Children learn correct handling of scissors and markers, while working with clay improves dexterity and coordination.
Art Therapy utilises a gentle, inclusive and affirming approach and is great for children who engage best through play, soft encouragement and when an adult follows their lead and incorporates their interests.
Art therapy allows space for people to create a reflection of their inner world. Making artwork about real events, people, relationships and thoughts; creating a physical manifestation of someone’s thoughts and emotions.
