One of my clients once told me that their picture told a story. Over the years I have had the privilege to listen to lots of stories, told by the many children I have worked with. Often these stories have been very important and have said something of their inner lives that may have been hard for them to communicate in another way. Our stories can be hard to tell; through art forms and creative expression they become easier. If we are to feel understood by the people in our lives, our stories must be told. Words can be limiting and often don't allow us to fully communicate our experience and feelings; this is especially true for children.
Over the last decade I have worked and continue to work with children and adolescents in both educational and clinical settings, helping them to explore and make sense of difficult and often complex feelings. Often these individuals have felt unable to express their feelings through words and have felt alone in managing these. It’s not surprising that as a result these individuals will often struggle with their learning, relationships, concentration and behavior. Often as a result of these ‘unmanaged’ feelings, individuals can become isolated and risk exclusion from important relationships, school and college.
"I think the sessions are doing the world of good, he comes home smiling now"
Parent.
Children naturally express themselves through art and play. I am always fascinated in the way children and young people communicate their inner worlds in this way. As an art therapist, my primary aim is to work with this rich material, to understand what it means for the individual and to help them process this. Over time, it becomes possible to move on and out of dificult feelings and patterns of behavior. As human beings, we need to experience ‘connection’ and to feel that we are understood. Art therapy makes this possible for many individuals.
"I have noticed a difference in the classroom, her confidence is growing"
Year 5 Teacher