Several years ago I worked as an art therapist in a child psychiatric unit. I was responsible for doing group and individual therapy with children ages five through twelve. I remember that there were strict rules about touching or hugging the clients. Although this was hard it was a necessary part of teaching boundaries. One day I was leading a session in the art room. a very small child around six years old sat next to me. I have forgotten the prompt that I gave the children. He began to draw a large spiral using the color black. At the bottom of that spiral he drew a small figure. During the process of drawing he moved closer and closer to me until his body was flush with mine. I could sense his neediness, his longing for comfort. After a while I asked him about that little figure in the spiral. He stated that when he got to the bottom, he would die. My heart nearly broke hearing his words at the same time not being able to hold him.
Art helps children express difficult feelings and experiences. It helps them to process negative emotions, It is a safe place for others to speak about their pain using metaphors. In my experience it is a powerful tool in the healing process.
Do you have trouble expressing difficult feelings? Perhaps it is anger, fear or anxiety. Here are some practical things that you can do.
“Art provides a space for a person to let the flow of thoughts transpire through the art medium instead of relying on verbal filters that may attempt to self-sensor or rationalise outside of the emotional connection. Art provides a conduit for the problem to exist and disclose when the person is ready.” - Art Therapy Resources
To find out how art is an emotional release for me visit starhousetreasures@instagram.com