Art Therapy: Bring Peace to Students

Bruce Black, Order and Chaos, Acrylic on paper 36" X 24" Abstract

The Benefits of Art Therapy for Children: Unleashing Creativity and Healing Minds
Art therapy is a powerful tool that has been proven to have therapeutic effects on children.

As an art teacher with over twenty-two years of experience, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of art on children's mental and emotional well-being. In today's fast-paced world, children are constantly engaged in mental and physical activities, leaving little time for their brains to rest and reset. The pressures of school, social engagements, sports, and technology can take a toll on their mental health. However, art provides a much-needed outlet for children to re-center, calm their nerves, and boost their overall well-being.

Art Is Naturally Therapeutic 

At my school, where students are enrolled in an accelerated curriculum that challenges them academically and athletically, art is a requirement for all students. I have seen how art can become a sanctuary for these high-achieving students. As they enter my classroom and start working on their art projects, I can see their stress melt away, and their smiles return. The process of creating art is naturally therapeutic, allowing them to let go of their worries and find solace in the creative process.

Let's take the example of painting to illustrate the power of art. When a student starts a painting, the canvas is a blank, pristine white surface that represents order and logic. But as they begin to apply paint, the canvas becomes chaotic and disordered. There is often a moment of self-doubt when the student wonders if they have any talent and if the painting will ever turn out as they envisioned. However, with perseverance and effort, the painting gradually starts to come together. Leaves appear in a landscape painting, a sky recedes into the distance, and colors harmonize. Witnessing this transformation is incredibly rewarding for the students. They feel a sense of accomplishment and peace as they bring order to the chaos on the canvas, which parallels their lives. The process of painting allows them to relax, focus, and regain a sense of logic in their otherwise busy lives. Many students even express that art is the highlight of their day and often request to stay in the art studio even after the bell rings.

What is Art Therapy? 

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making to help people communicate, express emotions, explore their inner worlds, and connect with others. It is a creative process that can be used to address a wide range of issues, including trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationship problems, grief and loss, pain management, and personal growth.

Art Therapy Has a Proven Track Record 

Art therapy goes beyond the immediate rewards of creating art. It has been used for years as a therapeutic modality to help children and adults cope with and communicate challenging circumstances. In fact, art therapy has been recognized as a valuable tool for educators to connect with students and support their emotional needs in the classroom. Research has shown that art therapy can improve emotional regulation, reduce stress and anxiety, enhance self-expression, and promote self-esteem in children (Malchiodi, 2018). Incorporating art therapy into general education classrooms can provide a creative and effective means of supporting children's mental health and well-being.

You Don't Need to Be a Therapist 

Art therapy resources for children are widely available, and trained art therapists can work with children individually or in group settings. Additionally, teachers can incorporate art therapy techniques in their classrooms, even without formal art therapy training. Simple activities like drawing, painting, and collage can be used to encourage self-expression, emotional exploration, and relaxation in children. There are also numerous books, websites, and online resources that provide guidance and ideas for incorporating art therapy into the classroom.

Here are some books on art therapy

• The Art Therapy Sourcebook by Cathy Malchiodi
• Art Therapy and Expressive Therapies Continuum by Harriet Wadeson
• The Handbook of Art Therapy by Cathy Malchiodi
• Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy: Brain, Body, and Imagination in the Healing Process

In conclusion, art therapy is a powerful and effective means of promoting children's mental health and well-being. The creative process of making art can provide a therapeutic outlet for children to express themselves, relax, and find solace in a busy world. Art therapy has been proven to have numerous benefits for children, and resources for incorporating art therapy into classrooms are widely available. So, let's embrace the healing power of art and allow children to unleash their creativity and heal their minds through this invaluable therapeutic modality.
Sources:
1.    Malchiodi, C. A

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For more information: 

1. American Art Therapy Association (AATA) - A professional association that provides information, resources, and guidelines for art therapists. Their website (https://arttherapy.org/) offers a wealth of information on art therapy, including articles, research, and resources specifically related to art therapy for children.
2. The effectiveness and contribution of art therapy work with children in 2018 -what progress has been made so far? A systematic review