Art Therapy

Art Therapy

Art Therapy is a clinical practice where art, and art making processes, form a key role within the psychotherapeutic relationship between the child and the therapist. Unlike an art class, or a lesson, participating in therapy does not require a particular talent, or even an interest, in visual art itself. It is the actual process of art-making which is vital. The subconscious is given expression in therapy.

The therapist’s task is to be a facilitator, and at all times the essence of the relationship is accurate empathy. Just as there are degrees of speech, so there are rich qualities of non-verbal communication and silence. The therapist monitors the atmosphere while at the same time being part of it.

Initially, the therapist will state the boundaries of the session. There are, of course, basic limits of time and space, as well as, for instance, not damaging the room or equipment. Neither must they cause harm to the therapist or to themselves. Having stated these simple but absolute boundaries, the child is then told what would be appropriate. The child is free to draw, to paint, or to make, act out, say anything he or she likes within the boundaries already mentioned. Such permission immediately seems to spark off the session. Some children feel a sense of liberation. Here they find freedom safely held. For some others, however, the sense of freedom may feel restricting or inhibiting.
The therapist works psychodynamically, dealing with the immediate issues which arise.

The direct and unavoidable learning process of Art Therapy becomes a vital experience enabling the child to gain a degree of self-confidence and understanding that she/he may previously have lacked.

Through Art Therapy, in a safe place, children may, over a period of time, resolve often overwhelming emotional and psychological problems.

The children’s work is personal and usually the Therapist would tell children that their pictures or objects will be safely kept in the Art Therapy room and only seen by other people with their own permission.

There is an element of confidentiality in the sessions in order that children may feel able to explore their concerns openly, and without fear or guilt. However, as part of the collaborative staff team, the Art Psychotherapist does contribute reports to the Individual Learning Programmes, and Annual Reviews.

There is direct liaison with other staff, including, in particular, the School Social Worker, the Counselling Psychologist, the visiting Consulting Psychologist and the Principal.

In many cases, the complex nature of the children’s needs means their problems are long-term and so therapy may be required over as long a time as possible. However, each individual case is considered and sometimes shorter intervals of therapy are more appropriate.

Art Therapy is a relevant and useful resource for helping with a whole range of emotional and behavioural disturbance. It is also particularly relevant for speech and language disordered children whose frustrations in communication may be exacerbating their problems.