Expressive Arts Therapy (5-13 years old)

Expressive Arts Therapy, also known as Arts Psychotherapy, Creative Arts therapy or Arts Therapy, is an evidence-based form of counselling used with people of all ages. Arts Therapy supports people to express and understand their emotions through mindful, creative processes.

Arts Therapy sessions are led by the client’s natural curiosity and self-expression through non-verbal creative modalities like painting, collage and craft-making, as well as expressive art forms like movement, dance, music and drama. Art expression acts as a form of externalisation - a visible projection of self, thoughts and feelings - which the client and therapist can explore together.

Through a safe and trusting relationship between client and therapist, themes related to the client’s worries and challenges emerge. With the Expressive Arts Therapist’s support and facilitation, Arts Therapy aims to bring about positive changes for clients such as improved self-understanding and wellbeing, a sense of empowerment and resolution.

 Who can benefit from Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive Arts Therapy is an appropriate form of counselling for children experiencing emotional, psychological, behavioural and social issues. Expressive Arts Therapy can be particularly appropriate for children who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. Research has found Expressive Arts Therapy to be an effective intervention for a range of children and adolescent issues including:

• Abuse and Neglect

• Aggressive, Oppositional and Acting out behaviours

• Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Delays

• Chronic Illness and Hospitalisation

• Excessive anger, fear, sadness, worry and shyness

• Family Changes

• Grief & Loss

• Learning Difficulties

• Peer Relationships

• Speech and Communication Difficulties

• Self Esteem & Identity Issues

• Social difficulties

• Trauma