Art therapy is a creative and transformative approach designed to enhance individuals' emotional, social, and mental well-being. Although many parents may be unfamiliar with its specifics, art therapy offers a powerful way to help young people process emotions and overcome challenges.
Here are 10 important things every parent should know about art therapy:
1. Art Therapy Uses Creativity to Express Emotions
Art therapy provides children and adolescents with a safe, non-verbal way to express their feelings. Through drawing, painting, or sculpting, children can communicate thoughts and emotions that might be difficult to articulate with words. This process can be particularly helpful for young people who struggle with verbal expression due to age, trauma, or developmental challenges.
2. It’s More Than Just Making Art
While the activities involve creativity, art therapy is not just about creating artwork. It’s not about the end product but rather the process of creating that holds therapeutic value. The focus is on how the child engages with the materials, explores their emotions, and expresses their thoughts. It’s a structured therapeutic process where the art becomes a medium for emotional exploration, self-expression, and problem-solving under the guidance of a trained therapist. Each activity is purposeful and designed to help the child uncover and work through specific emotional or psychological challenges.
3. Tailored to Individual Needs
Art therapy sessions are personalised to suit each child’s or adolescent’s specific needs and developmental stage. For instance, a child coping with grief might be encouraged to create a memory box, while a child struggling with anxiety might work on calming sensory activities. This individualised approach ensures that therapy is both meaningful and effective.
4. Addresses a Wide Range of Issues
Art therapy supports individuals facing a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and behavioural difficulties. It equips children and adolescents with tools to process emotions and develop effective coping strategies. Additionally, art therapy can ease transitions, such as adapting to a new school environment or navigating family changes like separation or divorce.
5. Fosters Emotional Regulation
Creating art helps individuals develop emotional regulation skills by offering a calming outlet for overwhelming feelings. The sensory experience of art-making—such as the tactile feeling of clay or the repetitive motion of drawing—can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Over time, children and adolescents learn to use these techniques to manage their emotions independently.
Art therapy allows the unconscious to speak through images when words are not enough, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and our experiences..
6. Builds Self-Confidence
Engaging in creative activities during art therapy helps young people develop a sense of self-worth and pride in their efforts. The focus is not on completing a perfect art piece but on the process of expressing themselves and exploring their emotions. This journey of creation fosters a sense of achievement and helps them build confidence in their abilities. As they explore their creativity, children and adolescents discover their strengths and gain a deeper belief in their potential, which positively impacts other areas of their lives.
7. Non-Judgmental Environment
One of the core principles of art therapy is that it is client-centered. In most sessions, the individual leads the way, choosing the materials or creative activities that resonate with them. This approach fosters a sense of autonomy and trust, empowering the person to take control of their narrative and work through challenges at their own pace. The therapist follows the client’s cues, providing gentle guidance when needed, while respecting their unique process and boundaries.
8. Parents Play a Supporting Role
Parents are essential partners in the therapeutic process. While sessions primarily focus on the child, therapists often involve parents in meaningful ways. This might include joint activities during therapy, discussions about progress, or guidance on approaches to complement therapy at home. Such involvement helps strengthen the parent-child bond and ensures that the benefits of therapy extend beyond the session. Therapists may also provide insights and strategies to support the child’s emotional growth in daily life, creating a cohesive approach to healing. This collaboration helps parents better understand their child’s needs and supports a holistic approach to healing.
9. It’s Evidence-Based and Backed by Research
Studies show that art therapy effectively improves emotional well-being, enhances social skills, and supports mental health. Research has demonstrated its benefits for children recovering from trauma, managing chronic illnesses, or navigating developmental challenges. It’s a recognised therapeutic approach used in schools, hospitals, and clinical settings worldwide.
10. It Encourages Problem-Solving and Resilience
Art therapy helps young people process difficult emotions and situations, teaching them to approach challenges creatively and build resilience. Through the creative process, children may experience sublimation—transforming intense emotions such as anger, sadness, or frustration into artistic expression. For example, a child might channel feelings of anger into bold strokes of colour on a canvas or use storytelling art to process a challenging memory. This allows them to manage and reframe their emotions in a healthy and constructive way. Over time, these skills empower children to face future obstacles with confidence and adaptability.
Art therapy is a compassionate and creative way to support children through life’s challenges. By understanding the principles and benefits of art therapy, parents can make informed decisions about this transformative modality. Whether your child is navigating stress, grief, or behavioural issues, art therapy provides a safe space for healing and growth. With the guidance of a trained therapist, children can use creativity to build emotional resilience and unlock their full potential.
If you’re interested in learning more about art therapy and its role in supporting mental health, personal growth, and creative expression, here are four trusted resources to explore:
Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA)
Art Therapists’ Association Singapore (ATAS)
American Art Therapy Association (AATA)
British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT)
