3 Signs Your Child May Benefit From Art Therapy

It’s not always easy for adults to open up and express their emotions. Think about how much more difficult it can be for children. Sometimes, children can’t even fully understand what they’re feeling enough to express it properly. 

As a result, traditional forms of talk therapy aren’t always the best solution for every child. 

If you’re worried that your child might be struggling with anxiety, trauma, grief, or something else that has made them seem less like themselves lately, help is available. It might be time to consider art therapy. 

Not sure whether your little one would benefit from this unique approach? Let’s look at three signs indicating they could be a perfect candidate.

1. They Can’t Express Their Emotions

Whether your child is too young to express what they’re feeling or they’ve always had a hard time opening up, art therapy could be a perfect solution. 

Rather than focusing on talking and answering questions directly, art therapy uses different tools to let your child express themselves creatively. They might be “prompted” to draw something specific regarding their feelings or a situation, but they’re given a lot of freedom to express their thoughts and feelings however they want. 

Art therapy is also helpful for children with ADHD or on the autism spectrum. They might not be able to adequately express themselves through words, but they don’t deserve to be “punished” or to stay silent because of it.

2. They Can’t Focus

It’s not uncommon for kids with a creative streak to have trouble focusing. Children, in general, tend to have shorter attention spans. 

It’s not as easy for them to sit and talk to a therapist for an hour without getting distracted or feeling burnt out by the end of each session. 

Art therapy is different in that it mimics play. It allows your child to do something they would enjoy doing in their free time.

If your child is having trouble focusing in other areas of their life, including at school, art therapy can be beneficial. The activities will be tailored to their needs and interests, making it easier to get to the underlying cause of what they’re experiencing.

3. They Have Low Self-Esteem

Depending on your child’s age, it’s not uncommon for kids to struggle with confidence and self-esteem. Growing up is hard, and throughout different stages of life, kids often have to deal with things like self-doubt, bullying, or not doing well in school. 

If your child is struggling with low self-esteem, it could negatively impact other areas of their life. They might struggle in the classroom. Or, they might have a hard time making friends or holding on to the ones they have. 

Art therapy can help to bring out any “root” issues that your child might be dealing with. It also can help them discover their natural gifts and further explore their strengths. Children who struggle with self-esteem often crave positive feedback, and this type of therapy is a great way for them to achieve it. 

Is Art Therapy Right for Your Child? 

Most kids love drawing, coloring, and using creativity to express themselves every day. Art therapy harnesses that natural mentality and makes it easier for children to work through their emotions. It’s especially effective for younger kids but can benefit children at almost any age. 

This isn’t an exclusive list. Many children can benefit from art therapy, no matter what they’re dealing with. 

Interested in learning more about this process and how it might help your child?  Feel free to contact us.  Together, we can talk more about what you both can expect and how it can benefit your little one.