Children

Using Play and Art Based Therapy

What is Play or Art Based Therapy?

It is a form of counselling that uses play and other creative means as a way to work through difficulties and challenges that arise for children, adolescents or adults. This method can be particularly helpful for individuals who have difficulty verbalizing their experiences.

Why Play?

Children or adolescents may not be able to articulate what they are going through emotionally. Sometimes, this is why we notice behavioral changes in children when something in their life proves to be overly challenging or difficult. Using play or art provides a safe, fun, and familiar environment for children to work through difficulties.

How does it work?

Play and Art Based Therapy is fun and engaging for children, which helps them to look forward to sessions. Using art and play with children helps them authentically express themselves and be creative. This can be helpful in working with children experiencing difficulty in school, relationships, learning, and adjusting to new environments and life situations. Through the language of art and play, feelings that cannot otherwise be communicated, are allowed to be explored and new ways of problem solving can be found. Promoting positive self-esteem and self-awareness leads to greater regulation of the nervous system and can free up energy and resources that can be put towards learning, growing and living happier lives.

What can it help with?