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COFFS HARBOUR ART THERAPY
Rebecca Lloyd
Expressive Arts Therapist
ARTS THERAPY WITH CHILDREN
Communication through play and art making.
For many children, finding words to articulate their thoughts and feelings can be difficult and confronting. Unlike traditional talk therapies, expressive arts therapy provides children with a non-verbal approach for narrating their stories, without the pressure to talk and over-explain. This is especially helpful for children who are afraid to speak or suffer from trauma, anxiety, lack of confidence, behaviour disregulation, self-esteem problems or communication issues.
Play – the natural language of the child
In expressive arts therapy, children explore their world through play and creativity. This allows them to investigate their emotions and experiences in a safe and age appropriate manner.
Because "play" is the natural language of the child, it provides a way for children to express their troublesome experiences through a natural healing process.
Therapeutic play and art making can help children:
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navigate conflict
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determine boundaries
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change behaviours
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form relationships
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learn empathy
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discover new ways of doing things
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build self-esteem
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take on new roles that help them feel more resilient and in control of their life
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facilitate self-expression, self-regulation and self-soothing skills.