TEEN & CHILD art therapy

EDMONTON & SHERWOOD PARK, ALBERTA

What is Art Therapy? 

Art therapy uses the creative process of art making to help improve mental health. It involves creative techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, coloring and sculpting to help your teen express themselves. It is rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. It combines this creative expression with psychotherapy which facilitates self exploration and understanding. No art experience is necessary.

How can art therapy help my teen?

• offers a safe, enjoyable place for self expression through art

• helps your teen gain an understanding of their own feelings and struggles

• provides a tactile environment for teens who have a difficult time with verbal communication

• creates bridges between internal feelings and external life

• allows teens and children discover healthy methods in order to handle difficult emotions

Art Therapy FAQ

1. What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

2. How does art therapy work?
By engaging in art-making, individuals can express feelings that may be difficult to put into words. The process helps uncover unconscious emotions, promotes self-awareness, and facilitates healing.

3. Who can benefit from art therapy?
People of all ages can benefit, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. It’s helpful for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic illness, and developmental or cognitive disorders. It is also helpful for those who express their feelings in differents ways other than talking. This can include neurodiverse teens and children.

4. Do I need to be good at art to do art therapy?
No artistic skill is required. The focus is on the process of creation and expression, not the final product.

5. What types of art are used in art therapy?
Various mediums can be used, including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and more. The therapist will guide you based on your preferences and therapeutic goals.

6. How is art therapy different from art classes?
Art therapy focuses on emotional and psychological healing and growth, guided by a trained therapist. Art classes focus on developing art skills and techniques.

What Is Family Art Therapy?

Family art therapy combines traditional family therapy principles with the creative, non-verbal processes of art-making. An art therapist guides the family through structured art activities designed to:

• Encourage open communication

• Reveal unspoken emotions or conflicts

• Strengthen relationships and understanding

• Develop healthy coping strategies

• Create a safe space for expressing thoughts and feelings

How It Works

• The therapist might ask the family to collaborate on artwork

• Through creation and discussion, the therapist helps the family reflect on roles, boundaries, and patterns of interaction.

• It's especially effective for families who struggle with verbal communication, such as those with younger children or members with emotional or developmental challenges.

In pairing art with therapy, not only can we create images to look at deep psychological processes, we can also celebrate our diverse and expansive internal worlds by exploring our personal symbols, dreams, ideas, and more.

There is no right or wrong way to paint, draw, sculpt, photograph, film, or create in an art therapy session. This process is uniquely yours. You are free to make anything without fear of being judged or graded.

Connecting with creativity has intrinsic healing powers which can help guide you through the hardships that brought you to counselling.