As parents and caregivers, we all want to provide our children with every opportunity to express themselves, build confidence, and develop critical life skills. Art therapy groups offer a creative path to healing that goes far beyond simply a fun art activity. They provide a nurturing space where children can gain self-awareness, develop socially, and learn to process difficult thoughts and emotions in healthy ways. Art therapy groups combine the power of the creative process and art making, the support and inner work of therapy, and the connection of being with others to create enriching opportunities for growth, self-discovery and well-being. This creative path to healing has so much to offer children beyond just the fun of making art.
Expressing Emotions Safely
It can be hard for kids (and adults too) to express how they truly feel. Telling a child to "use their words" when they're upset or anxious doesn't always work. Art therapy allows kids to express emotions through symbols and art that they may have otherwise have difficulty verbalizing. They can show what's going on inside without struggling to find the right words. The group setting creates a safe, supportive environment to explore those "too-big" feelings, and helps us to realize that we aren’t alone in those feelings.
Sense of Self
Kids are at the beginning of their journey to figure out who they are. Art therapy nurtures self-awareness as children present aspects of their personality and identity into their artwork. With the guidance of an art therapist, the creative process helps kids gain insight into their thoughts, behaviours, and unique identity. And in the group setting, they learn to ground into their own sense of self as they interact and communicate with others.
Building Social Skills
While art therapy allows for personal expression, it's also a social experience. As kids interact in the group, they practice crucial skills like respecting differences, sharing with others, communicating ideas, and resolving conflicts in a positive way. Creating together then discussing each other's artwork provides a fun, engaging way to build social abilities.
Boosting Self-Esteem and Confidence
There's no "wrong" way to make art in the art therapy group. When children engage in artistic activities and see the results of their efforts, they often feel a sense of accomplishment. This can instill a powerful sense of freedom and confidence in children's abilities. Having their unique creative expression nurtured and celebrated by the group is a real gift to their self-esteem. Kids realize "I am an artist!”, and this encouragement can help them feel more capable and confident in other areas of their lives as well.
Encouraging Mindfulness and Relaxation
For kids these days, it's go-go-go from school, activities, homework and more. Art therapy groups provide a pause in their busy lives where they can be fully immersed in the present moment. The repetitive motions of drawing, painting or sculpting, combined with the ability to get "in the zone" creatively, cultivates a sense of mindfulness and relaxation. This can reduce stress, enhance relaxation, and promote overall mental well-being. Talk about a healthy coping skill!
Calming Anxiety
For children who struggle with anxiety, art therapy can provide a much-needed outlet for their worries and fears. Between the mindfulness factor and having a positive outlet to freely express inner experiences, art therapy can work wonders for anxious little minds and bodies. Kids learn personal coping strategies to release stress, fears and worries through their art. The supportive environment of an art therapy group also helps children feel less isolated in their experiences, knowing that others share similar struggles.
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