Exploring how Art Therapy can help Children Dealing with Recovery

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Children may not be able to accurately convey how they feel using words, especially when they’re suffering from some sort illness or injury. Art is usually the best way for them to express their true feelings and research has recently proved that art therapy can help children deal with recovery by providing a creative outlet for them. Here are a few ways art therapy can help children deal with recovery.

1. Art Therapy Guides Children to Think About their Strengths

When dealing with illness or injury, children need to be reminded of their inner strength to ensure they do not succumb to pessimism and lose hope. A good example of how art therapy does this is when they are asked to create a superhero mask for themselves. The therapist will explore with the child the weaknesses and strengths of the particular superhero he/she decided to draw. The child will, therefore, understand how being this particular superhero will help during this difficult time.

2. Art Therapy Improves Emotional Well Being

Children often experience self-esteem issues and emotional setback when dealing with injuries and illnesses. This is especially true with children who suffer from a terminal, chronic, or long-term illness.

They feel as though they are different from the rest of the children and, therefore, they become emotionally disturbed. Art therapy helps children to explore, understand, manage, and express their emotions and inner feelings properly. Institutions like the pediatric cancer foundation may advocate art therapy to help these children cope with recovery and deal with the emotional stress due to stigmatization, long-durational treatments, and constant hospital visits. Kids – and parents – need all the support they can get at such a difficult time.

3. Art Therapy Ensures Mental Wellbeing

Children who have been involved in either an accident or major surgery need art therapy to ensure their mental health is not affected in any way. Traumatic situations can lead to mental issues such as psychosis, anxiety, and depression. During recovery, it is paramount to ensure that the children’s mental health is not compromised, and art therapy is a great way of keeping them stable.

4. Art Therapy Helps Children Communicate Efficiently

It can be difficult for children to say exactly what they feel in words. Art, however, can be a great conduit for communication. An art therapist will be able to understand the true depth of their emotions and find the best way to assist them. Understand that in some situations, children may be willing to say exactly what they feel, but lack the exact words to describe it. Art is among the best ways of communicating all kinds of emotions adequately and many children consider it to be more comfortable than other methods.

Conclusion

Dealing with recovery is never easy, even as an adult, and children have to deal with the burden the best way they can. Investing in their treatment and recovery process should be a huge concern to everyone. Art therapy is one of the best ways to help children cope with injuries and illness and improve their chance for recovery.