Art therapy is a therapeutic form that boosts the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children through the creative process of art.
The participation of children in this expressive journey, along with the resulting artwork, aids them in comprehending emotional conflicts, increasing self-awareness, managing behavior, reducing stress, developing social skills, and enhancing self-esteem.
It serves as a means to cultivate inner strength and resilience in participating children.
But why is art therapy effective? There are two main perspectives on the therapeutic power of the arts:
1. Restorative Power of the Creative Process:
Participating in the creative process not only brings fulfillment and emotional release but also transforms negative thoughts. For example, the use of clay, color powders, and pigments inherently induces a soothing effect.
The creative process elevates serotonin levels in the brain, a substance combating depression, and triggers the "relaxation response," lowering heart and respiratory rates, thereby alleviating stress.
2. Symbolic Meaning in Artwork:
The focus on the artwork itself, rather than solely on the creative process, is due to its expression of emotions like joy, contradiction, and conflict. Counselors and children explore the finished work together, delving into emotional changes and psychological conditions through communication.
Do you need to be "artistically gifted" for art therapy? Not at all! Art therapy emphasizes the process of artistic creation and personal expression over creating a flawless masterpiece. Participants, regardless of their art experience or knowledge, are encouraged to engage.
The art therapy process isn't limited to painting alone; it embraces various mediums like natural elements, painting, paper cutting, origami, clay, collage, photography, or music.
Why choose the Art Therapy Program?
1. Safe Harbor:
Art therapy provides a safe space for children who struggle to express their feelings verbally. There's no right or wrong way to create art, allowing every child to be respected and understood.
2. Non-Verbal Expression:
Being non-verbal based, art therapy easily bypasses self-protection mechanisms, enabling the genuine expression of a child's emotions. This is especially beneficial for those with limited vocabulary, poor cognitive skills, or difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
3. Inner Experience:
Through art creation, participating children delve into their subconscious, gaining inspiration and understanding the meaning of life.
4. Balanced Brain Development:
Art therapy promotes balanced development between the left and right brain. The creative process counters the dominance of logical thinking, fostering the growth of the right brain.
5. Sensory Training:
Involving perceptual training, art therapy allows children to choose different forms of communication—visual, tactile, body movement, etc. This enhances hand-eye coordination and ensures that children are not only heard but also seen in their work.
6. Relationship Repair:
Art therapy, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s, analyzes and harmonizes family relationships. It serves as a tool to focus on communication and interaction within families, addressing issues stemming from family history and promoting healthier relationships.
