Art Therapy Helps Kids Thrive

Q: I'm worried our son is slipping away. Lately, he has been withdrawn, depressed and resistant to traditional therapy. (He suffered abuse before my husband and I adopted him.) A counselor recommended art therapy. How does it work exactly? 

By Carol Wallace, MA, MFT

 Recently, I was working with a 13-year-old (I’ll call him “Trevor”) who had resisted coming to his counseling appointments. He suffered severe abuse and neglect as a child and is now participating in our family-centered intensive services at Stanford Home for Children in Sacramento. With challenges mounting at home and at school, and a natural aversion for traditional therapy, he guardedly agreed to see our new art room.

When Trevor walked into the room, I saw an angry, frustrated, rebellious 13-year-old light up. When he saw the computer station and giant digital painting tablet, he exclaimed, “I like computers!” And I knew we had unlocked a door.

Why Art Therapy?

Children who have been through trauma often resist answering even benign questions like, “How was your day?” They are rarely capable of putting words to their feelings, yet the trauma will haunt them until they are able to process what happened. Art therapy—like play therapy—offers kids a way to safely access and process their feelings, without asking them to verbalize painful situations.

All art media can be used in art therapy, and the child can direct the process. Big drawing and painting boards can draw in less artistically inspired kids. Digital artwork and personal videos help older children and youth deal with difficult emotions.

Even the healthiest families benefit from art and play. To help kids thrive at home and school, try what I call “The 10-20-10 Rule.” Play or read with your child 10 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes when the family returns home, and 10 minutes before bed. That consistent quality time helps diminish fears and anxieties—and reduces difficult behaviors—while building trust and strengthening family bonds.