Art Therapy for Children

By: Bashayir

Definition of the Art Therapy

Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes.

Art therapy and its impacts on children

Art therapy is the best way to using positive imaginations and developing mindfulness in children with developmental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2skEBIM7GM

Art therapy and its impacts on children

The Bowen theory supports the presupposition that art therapy enhances mental fitness and enhances social functioning in children.

Art therapy and its impacts on children

Expressive techniques that are used in art facilitate interaction between children and teachers and therapists. For learning purposes, art therapies can alleviate cognitive problems and improve understanding.

Drawing is a natural language for children and especially for the child who has been traumatized or experienced a significant loss.

what do you think a child means when he draws this picture?

Enrichment opportunities to support learning through play for children

According to Toyoshima, Fukui and Kuda , creative art activities such as playing serve as excellent opportunities in facilitating learning in children. In particular, children suffering from developmental disorders have psychological and physiological difficulties

Conclusion

References:
Coholic, D., Lougheed, S & Cadell, S. (2009). Exploring the Helpfulness of Art-Based Methods with Children Living in Foster Care. Traumatology, 15(3): 64-71. Jager, J & Ryan, V. (2007). Evaluating Clinical Practice: Using PlayBased Techniques to Elicit Childrens Views of Therapy. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 12(3): 437-450. Nims, D. R. & Duba, J. D (2011). Using Play-Therapy Techniques in a Bowenian Theoretical Context. The Family Journal, 19(1): 83-89. Steffen, H. (2007). Integrative Expressive Therapy: A Program Development for Children. Ann Arbor: UMI Press. Toyoshima, K., Fukui, H & Kuda, K. (2011). Piano Playing Reduces Stress More Than Other Creative Art Activities. International Journal of Music Education, 29(3): 257-264. Waller, D. (2006). Art Therapy for Children: How It Leads To Change. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 11(2): 271-282.