This drawing of an Iraqi girl in an orphanage (posted by  Mimi Ann and Eirletta Hollingsworth) really moved me. The girl was missing her mother so much that she drew an image of her, and then fell asleep inside her.
Children will often move directly to the art table in my play room, and wordlessly create images that over time, express the heartbreak they are feeling and don't have the language for. Through these images I see a glimpse of this heartbreak.
The key with art therapy is to allow the child the space to create their own images in whatever form and colours they choose. I am not directing them to draw in a particular way, nor am I interested in their technique. What I am interested in is which colour they choose for their images, and what their movement is like while they are painting, and also what I am feeling as their therapist while they paint. It's my job in the play room to bear (often in silence) what they find unbearable, and say through their paintings. Afterwards, some of these paintings (like the one above) affect me, move me, which is what they are designed to do. That is what they child is feeling herself.
I am in awe of children who want to draw and paint images over time, carefully and thoughtfully, and sometimes angrily, for they are speaking up for the child about issues they find difficult to put into words.
At its heart art therapy will guide you and your children on a personal path of personal growth, insight, healing and transformation. Doing art therapy is liberating because through the body of work created, the child is creating a powerful narrative of their life, which in turn gives them access to feelings and insights they will have been struggling with and often suppressing. The paintings become safe containers for these feelings.
A parent who engages an art therapist for their child is giving that child a gift which will, over time, enable them to improve their communication. Some parents find 'messy play' challenging to be done at home. I will be posting later on how to set up a 'messy play' station at home.
Art therapy will help you to:
Find relief from overwhelming emotionsRecover from traumatic lossesReduce stress levelsDiscover insights about yourselfExperience personal growth
A book I refer to a lot is The Art Therapy Sourcebook by Cathy A. Malchiodi, who is a licensed art therapist and clinical counsellor and the Professional Relations Director of the American Art Therapy Association. You will find a list of US Art Therapists here.
You will find a list of UK Art Therapists here.