How could Therapy be helpful?
Art therapy can be helpful for anyone, at any age that might be finding it hard to talk about or express his or her emotions. For young children, it can be hard to know and understand what is wrong. Often difficult feelings and anxiety will surface through physical symptoms such as stomach aches and aches and pains. Often adults will notice a change in behaviour. Some of these changes might include:
- Withdrawn - the child / young person may become less involved with peers, socialising, activities they would usually do.
- Daydreaming - the child / young person may appear pre-occupied or in their 'own world'.
- Aggression - the child / young person may become irritable or confrontational.
- Low mood - the child / young person may have become noticeably low in mood.
- Problems sleeping, soiling - parents may notice a change in sleeping patterns or a need to sleep with others, light on etc.
- Time off school, college.
"I like drawing and making things, it helps me to stay calm"
10 year old client
Reasons for a referral.
There are many reasons why you would refer a child for Art Therapy; usually it starts with a change in their behaviour. There may not always be a 'known' reason for these changes, and in these cases it is especially important to engage with the child/ young person. Sometimes we might have an idea of what is happening for the young person, such as:
- Separation - change in family circumstances.
- Loss - the death of a parent, relative or friend.
- Trauma - recent or past trauma such as car accident, witnessing something distressing.
- Anxiety - general or related to an object or event.
- Anger - at others and self.
- Self-Harm - any form of self-harming behaviours.
- Eating difficulties - extreme weight loss, gain.
- Self esteem issues.