Art Therapy for Children and Teens
Sometimes, changes in a child’s behaviour can feel confusing or unexpected. What we see on the outside may be a child’s way of communicating that something inside feels difficult—but they may not yet have the words to express it.
When a child is struggling and finds it hard to express their feelings...
You may be noticing him or her:
– have nightmares (especially in younger child)
- refusing to go to school or a particular event but unable to explain why
– become more irritable, sensitive, or prone to emotional outbursts
– withdraw from others, or face challenges in friendships
– experience worries, anxiety, or fears that affect their confidence
– lose interest in activities they used to enjoy, or show a drop in school engagement
– seem “not quite themselves”
How art therapy can support your child?
Play is a natural way for children to learn and communicate. Art therapy offers children and adolescents a safe space to express and process what happened to them in a playful and creative setting. This may look like:
– pouring and mixing paint to express overwhelming feeling and the 'mess' they feel inside
– creating images or characters to talk about their fear or stories
– exploring textures and movement as a way to release and regulate emotions
For younger children who may not yet have the words, or for adolescents who find it difficult to open up, art can become a bridge for expression. These could be supportive for children who go through conflict, overwhelming situation such as medical procedure or stressful transitions, losing loved ones or struggling with self-esteem. Over time, this process can support your child to:
– explore and process emotions
– develop coping and problem-solving skills
– build confidence and strengthen their sense of self
Your child do not need to be “good” at art. The process of creating is as important as their creation.
Working together with your child...
Initial Parents Meeting
Before meeting your child, I will first meet with parents. This session (approximately 90 minutes) allows us to understand your concerns, your child’s background, and what you are hoping for. It also provides a space for you to share your observations and ask any questions.
Child Sessions
After meeting with parents, your child will attend individual sessions with the therapist. The first few sessions focus on helping your child feel comfortable, building trust, and allowing them to engage at their own pace. Children will slowly begin to communicate and process their experiences in ways that feel safe to them - whether through creating art or talking. For teenagers, sessions may include a balance of creative expression and conversation, depending on what feels comfortable for them.
Updates & Supports
I will arrange check-in meetings with parents to share general observations, themes, and progress. This will also be a space for parents to share their observations at home or school. For teenagers who may want to have more privacy, we will work together have a good balance, respecting their space while still supporting you as parents. If there are concerns related to safety, these will always be addressed appropriately.