Art Therapy
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its main method of communication. Being able to experience therapy through art can be very beneficial for children and young people, who find verbal communication confronting.
The art process can offer children and young people another language, through which they can express, perhaps unconsciously, feelings, wishes, fears, and fantasies central to their inner experience that can initiate a deep and positive change.
What does it look like?
In the art room there is access to a wide variety of art materials, including sensory materials, such as clay, slime and play dough.
As art therapy can be both directive and non-directive, there will be a mixture of focussed activities and self- directed expression. The balance of which is dependant on each individual child/young person.
The child/young person may be in the art room with just the therapist or they may be with the caregiver as well, this is also dependant on individual needs. The therapist will not directly question the child/young person about the challenges that bring them to art therapy. Instead, Through acceptance, empathy and reflection, therapists facilitate and support the child's unique expression.
Externalizing distressed feelings and being able to share these with an empathic adult has proved very helpful to generations of children and young people that are experiencing challenges. Benefits and insights are made in both the process of the art making; as it can regulate the body and mind and illuminate areas of importance, and in the art piece itself; through exploration with the therapist.
The relationship between the therapist and child/young person is so important. The therapist is present, accessible, and open to each child/young person, honouring their thoughts and feelings in the immediate experience. Trust is built allowing purposeful work to take place.
Art Therapy Promotes:
Understanding and integration of complex experiences
Insight into self and other
Healthy ways of communicating and connecting
Increased confidence and self-esteem
Regulation
Emotional development
Problem solving and collaboration
Flexibility and resilience
Who is Art Therapy For?
Due to its visual nature art therapy is particularly helpful for children and young people who can struggle to express themselves verbally. A growing body of evidence shows it can be an effective treatment for children and young people dealing with a broad range of concerns, including;
Abuse and neglect trauma
Illness/ medical trauma
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Learning difficulties
Bullying
Emotional difficulties
Family breakdown
Speech and communication
Social skills and developing relationships
Bereavement and loss
Art Therapy Process
Intake:
This is the initial consultation and the first step for all services. This session takes place between the caregivers and therapist without children present, we set aside 50-90mins for the session. The therapist will take time to hear from you, answer any questions and explain the process. Together you will discuss current concerns and presenting symptoms, child and family history, make a therapeutic plan and set goals. Young people 15 years and over are welcome to attend the Intake session if they choose.
Sessions:
Art therapy sessions are 30-50 minutes long depending on the age of the child. Art therapy sessions occur at a regular time every week to provide predictability and consistency, helping to establish trust and safety for participants. Fortnightly sessions may be arranged in discussion with the therapist.
Caregiver Consultation Sessions:
Caregiver involvement and consultation is an important part of the therapeutic process, particularly for children under 15 years of age. Consultation sessions are a great way for caregivers to be fully informed and a part of the journey, an opportunity to measure change, ask questions and unpack progress. It is important that a child’s therapy space feels safe and just for them, we therefore do our best not to share updates in front of the child. Therapists will call caregivers regularly to discuss feedback and progress, and consult sessions are scheduled every 5-10 sessions, or on request.
Closure:
Art therapy is a relational modality built on forming trust and connection with the space and therapist, it is therefore important we be mindful when planning to close therapeutic services. The decision to close is is made between a caregiver and therapist, often based on therapeutic progress or family circumstances. A closure plan is made to allow a young person to adjust and come to terms with saying goodbye, this is often done over a number of weeks in relation to the length of therapeutic intervention.
How many sessions will we have?
Art therapy is considered a medium to long-term therapy that is unique to each child, based on the complexity of their experience, developmental capacities, temperament, presenting issues and current circumstances. Some children may make significant progress in 15 sessions, some may need 30 or more.
Siblings?
It is common for siblings who have experienced shared challenges to each need therapeutic support. As we all respond differently to stress it may be appropriate for siblings to be seen together in a joint session or perhaps individually if they have competing needs and presentations. These decisions are made on a case by case basis in consultation with a therapist. Please note sibling sessions are charged at a higher rate.
What should I tell my child about coming to Art Therapy?
Some children may be very aware that they need support, and perhaps have asked for therapy, for others it may be a completely new concept. You know your child best, and it is important to explain Art Therapy to them in a way that is authentic, age appropriate and positive. Some caregivers choose not to use the word therapy, instead describing a special place where they get to make art and play in any way they choose. Remember that more information means less anxiety for young people so you can let them know that you have visited the art room, perhaps some of the materials you noticed, and that you met a kind person you think they might like too. You might like to share with them some of your hopes, and why you think it might be helpful to have a space and time just for them. We have pictures of the room and our therapist to share with those who are particularly anxious and benefit from visual preparation.
How is Art Therapy different to regular art making?
In art therapy the therapist is facilitating a process of self-exploration and self-expression. In regular art-making there is a skill being learned or practised. There is no right way to make art in art therapy and the goal is not performing a technique or creating a final piece, it is about creating a psychological change through therapy within a therapeutic relationship.
Art Therapy can get messy!
In the art room we accept children fully, just as they are, and we understand the toys and materials to be part of a young person's expression and storytelling. This being the case we do not ask children to pack up at the end of their session as we do not want them to feel they have to contain or put away the feelings and information they have shared with us. It also means there can be paint, sand, water, texters etc. going around the room - so please be mindful when getting a child dressed and ready for session.
Art Therapy can be fun, and it can be hard.
Sometimes a child may leave a session skipping and smiling, feeling connected and empowered. Sometimes they may leave feeling fragile, sensitive, sad or angry. Occasionally further challenges arise throughout the process, or things feel harder before they start to feel easier. This is all a part of the journey of expressing and exploring challenges, finding safety, confidence and new ways of being. Children may find it challenging, or choose not to share what is going on for them in session. As caregivers you can provide support by respecting their process and being available in whatever way they need after a session. This might be an extra hug, a bit of space, or perhaps a ritual of one-on-one time after a session.
Where can I learn more?
Research Gate: Art Therapy For Children: How it Leads To Change
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6709804_Art_Therapy_for_Children_How_It_Leads_to_Change
Psychology Today: Child Art Therapy; How It Works
https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/arts-and-health/201601/child-art-therapy-how-it-works