As we go through life, we all face challenges. Yet for many of us it can be difficult to put troubling feelings and experiences into words. And for children, this can be even harder. But expressing emotions through art can be an effective way of dealing with them.
Art Therapy provides a time and space for children to think and talk about any problems or conflicts. Art making helps children to explain feelings or experiences when there might be no words to describe them.
Art Therapy is a tried-and-tested way to help a child’s emotional development. By providing weekly sessions in a safe space and with the opportunity to use a range of art materials, we give children an opportunity to freely express themselves in a way not always possible in everyday life.
Art therapy is a child-led, non-directive method, encouraging your child to decide how they use their therapeutic session. The sessions are one-to-one, and can be effective from the age of 5 to 18 years.
It is not necessary for a child/young person to have previous experience or skill in art, because the overall aim is to enable change and growth on a personal level in a safe and empowering environment.
Art Therapy enables your child to increase their self-awareness and effect change by working towards better mental health. It is often helpful for children/young people experiencing a variety of difficulties, including:
- Emotional difficulties
- Autism
- ADHD
- Anxiety/stress
- Self-harm
- Eating disorders
- Learning difficulties
- Illness/trauma
- Behavioural difficulties
- Coping with loss or bereavement
- Relationship difficulties
- Self-destructive behaviour
- Coping with choices
- Migrants & refugees dealing with trauma, loss & isolation
- Minority and cultural issues
