Art Therapy

Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication.

Children/ young people who are referred to Art Therapy need not have any previous experience or skill in art, the art therapist is not primarily concerned with making an aesthetic or diagnostic assessment of the child’s art work. The overall aim of the art therapist is to enable a child to effect change and growth on a personal level through the use of art materials (pencil, pastel, paint, clay, mod rock, sand, paper) in a safe and facilitating environment.

The relationship between the therapist and the child is of central importance. Art therapies differ from other psychological therapies in that it is a three-way process between the child, the therapist and the images or objects that are made. Thus, it offers the opportunity for expression and communication and can be particularly helpful to children who find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings verbally.