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  • Writer's pictureMichelle Baker, MA

How Art Therapy Can Help Children


Art therapy can be beneficial for children, even at such a young age. As with most therapies, art therapy is also used to help improve a child’s emotional state or well-being. It is an effective way of working with kids who may be going through a difficult time.


While kids may also benefit from traditional therapy, they often find it scary especially if it is done in a clinical setting. Art therapy provides kids an easier way to express themselves and be creative. Plus, it gives them an opportunity to do this in a safe environment.

Drawing, painting and crafts are great hands-on activities that can calm a racing mind.


Here’s how art therapy can help children.


Express feelings


If a child experiences something tragic, that event gets buried in their subconscious and affects their lives forever. Being in a traumatic state, children find it difficult to talk about it.

Children are naturally creative. They find it easier to draw a picture than explaining through words how they are feeling at the moment. Art therapy can help children bring suppressed emotions to the surface and understand what triggers their emotions.

In an effort to understand the child’s thoughts or feelings, the therapist will ask some questions about the various aspects of the artwork.


Increased self-esteem


Art therapy can also help children who are extremely shy, withdrawn or who have a hard time functioning within social situations. While art therapy may seem intimidating for children at first, learning a new skill can help boost their self-esteem and become more confident.


Improve sensory awareness


Art therapy can be beneficial for children with sensory issues. One way to address this issue is by creating a sensory collage. Here, therapists often use different types of paper or fabrics with different colors and textures to introduce children to sensory objects in a safe environment.


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