Art therapy is a natural form of expression for children and adolescents. Creating art helps people of all ages make sense of and express their thoughts and feelings in a non-threatening way. A session with an art therapist can offer a patient the opportunity to makes choices and gain control in an environment where they don’t always have those options.
An Art Therapist is:
Art therapists are master’s-level mental health professionals trained in both art and psychology. They work with children and adults of all ages using diverse art modalities for assessment and treatment. In a pediatric hospital setting art therapy is used to treat anxiety about medical procedures, depression, and psychosocial and emotional difficulties related to medical illness, trauma, and loss.
Art therapy goals:
The goal of the art therapy program is to help children express themselves and cope through using various art media. Art therapists use art and the creative process to:
- Help patients make sense of and express thoughts and feelings
- Communicate with medical staff
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Build coping skills, confidence and self-esteem
- Offer choices and control
- Develop healthy problem solving skills
- And much, much more!
Art therapy provides opportunities for expression through:
- Painting
- Drawing
- 3D projects
- Collage
- Mask-making
- Photography
- Bookmaking
- Exploration of new materials
Contact and Referral Information
To make an appointment or to refer a patient please visit the American Art Therapy Association's website at arttherapy.org, or contact us by phone.
Phone 317.944.8723