It’s no surprise for children to feel anxious or depressed these days. The world around them is increasingly changing, and the near future will be shaped into a “new normal.” Mental disorders are not very uncommon among adolescents and teens either.
Even before the pandemic, mental disorders like depression and anxiety had been increasing over time. Despite this rise, very few children receive the treatment they need to cope with the difficulties brought on by mental disorders.
Child therapy comes in many forms so there are many options for those in search of them. For instance, your child can speak one on one with a therapist that can work with them and learn about them, or if that’s too much, they can try alternative therapy techniques.
Art therapy is one such technique that is just as personal but not doesn’t come across as intrusive. Art therapy is a way for your children to express themselves if they struggle to put their emotions into words. It can help them share their feelings, like how they perceive the current state of the world, and relay traumatic experiences. It can also help manage emotions such as depression, anxiety, and stress.
What is art therapy?
Art therapy combines psychotherapy with creativity. When we think of art, we usually think of an illustration coming to life with pens, pencils, paint, and crayons. But there are other forms of art, such as dance, writing, drama, and music. These modalities can all be incorporated into art therapy.
Creative outlets can improve your child’s self-esteem and provide building blocks to improve their social skills and strengthen relationships. Art therapy can help your child’s mental health condition by easing anxiety and depression. Thus, improving your child’s overall mental health and wellbeing. Children don’t need to be artistic to benefit from art therapy.
Treating ADHD
Art therapy can be used as an alternative treatment for ADHD. Children with ADHD often have trouble quieting their thoughts and even their movements. This type of therapy helps them concentrate on a single activity. It’s helpful for relieving their hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.
For example, for children that have trouble fidgeting, staying still for too long, or talking excessively, art therapy can stimulate their brain. This stimulation then increases the uptake of dopamine which helps us stay focused.
Treating Anxiety
People who suffer from anxiety fear what is to come. Like with ADHD, people who suffer from anxiety may also find it difficult to express themselves verbally.
Verbal expression can be difficult for anyone, even adults. But with art therapy, children suffering from anxiety can express their feelings artistically. This can help them understand them in a way that makes it easier for them to communicate with others.
Treating Depression
More and more evidence points to the efficacy of art therapy for the treatment of depression, and as a result, more therapists are integrating it into their sessions.
Children who suffer from depression are often consumed by an inner sadness that’s challenging to get rid of. This sadness can sometimes bring destructive thoughts into their heads, such as thoughts of zero self-worth. Art therapy in Wellington, Florida allows them to tap into their emotions and channel them into positive activities.
While depression destroys, art does the exact opposite. This therapeutic technique can help improve their feelings of hopelessness, disinterest, and anxiety, among other symptoms.
Finding a Child Therapist in Wellington, Florida You Can Trust
As a parent, you may prefer trying at-home art exercises before taking your child to see a therapist. This may help, but it’s far more productive with the guidance of a professional. A child therapist (https://serenetrailstherapy.com/child-therapist) has the training and expertise to make your child feel unconditionally accepted.
Serene Trails Therapy Can Help
If you live in Wellington, Florida, or the surrounding areas and are in need of a child therapist in Wellington, Florida, contact Brittany Rice, LCSW of Serene Trails Therapy. Rice is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist in Wellington, Florida. She focuses on helping children, adolescents, parents and young adults who may experience anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, reunification, separation, and have experienced trauma.
Art therapy is just one of the therapy techniques Rice uses. Other techniques include equine-assisted psychotherapy, sand-tray therapy, and play therapy. Feel free to contact us here to learn more!
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Have questions? Contact Serene Trails Therapy for a free phone consultation.