Art therapy is a therapy in which children and young people, facilitated by the art therapist, use art, play and craft materials to explore their feelings, work through emotional conflicts, develop and improve self awareness, manage behaviour, develop social skills, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.
Art therapists are trained to pick up on nonverbal symbols, themes and metaphors that are often expressed through art, play and the creative process, concepts that are usually difficult to express with words. It is through this process that the child or young person can begin to make sense of their experiences and feelings.
You don’t have to be good at art to do Art Therapy, the focus is not on a finished product but rather the process and experience of using the art and play materials and interacting with the therapist.
Art Psychotherapy can be used to;
- Build Self-esteem and confidence
- Improve social skills
- Provide a safe space for expressing difficult feelings
- Gain an understanding of emotions & behaviours
- Externalise internal worries and feelings
- Develop a trusting relationship
- Improve resilience to deal with life challenges
- Explore appropriate/alternative coping strategies
Read about our Art Psychotherapists: Kate Hughes, Ian Hutchinson and Jayne McConkey
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