Art Therapy for Children and Adolescents
Children often find it difficult to find words and to express themselves and communicate their feelings. They may not feel comfortable or even want to talk to adults especially when there are expectations that they ‘should’ talk.
In Art Therapy, the process is very different from talking therapy or art lessons, in that there are no expectations to have to perform / create / do / speak. Rather, a safe space is created for the child or adolescent to express themselves at their own pace and in their own way. Given a safe contained space to do so, children innately know exactly what they need (in terms of art materials) and what they want to do or make in the room. The art becomes the bridge between the unconscious and conscious, allowing what has not yet formed into words to be expressed and released. This can then later be processed, reflected on and explored in order to find meaning.
Some of the benefits of Art Therapy are that children will develop their innate creativity and spontaneity and imagination, build confidence, learn new skills, nurture emotional growth, work through difficulties, have the freedom to make decisions, experiment with and test out new ideas and ways of being in the world, expression and working through of emotions, anxiety and conflict. The process also develops personal insight, self-awareness and reflection, ordering of experiences visually and verbally, and of course relaxation.
Art becomes the bridge between different languages, experiences and cultural barriers.
“Psychotherapy has to do with two people playing together” (Winnicott 1988)
Currently only individual sessions are available for children and adolescents. However should you have an existing group of children who want to participate in a group Art Therapy experience in Cape Town, please email me on info@arttherapy.co.za.
Individual sessions:
Initially an assessment with the parent(s) is done. Thereafter for best results it is advisable for children and adolescents to attend individual Art Therapy sessions once a week at the same time each week so that the space becomes a reliable, consistent safe space for growth and transformation. Feedback sessions for the parent(s) will be discussed.
Duration of individual sessions:
Children: 45 mins
Teenagers: 50 mins
Venue:
Sea Point (Cape Town) or Zoom (If not in travelling distance)
Fees:
Individual sessions are R890 p/session
Medical Aid:
Fees can be claimed back from medical aids after attendance of session(s).
“I grew more than I thought possible.”
“For the first time in my life I have discovered my true identity and can now answer the fundamental question of who I am!”
“The magic that Sam unleashes through her knowledge is beautiful.”
“An inspirational, wonderful, creative self-exploratory journey, Thank you!”
“Thank you for a thought-provoking and inspiring class! You are a fantastic therapist with a very caring and compassionate approach to listening! You made each and every person feel important by allowing each one the opportunity to feel safe enough to open up! Thank you for that.”
“Sam, you are so experienced and it is evident in your facilitation. You are really good at your job and do it with such professionalism.”
“The course went beyond my personal expectations. I came thinking that we would mainly be learning about Art Therapy, which we did, but it was a big transformational experience for me which I was not expecting.”
“The Art Therapy was a gentle, creative and fun way to build trust and deliver outcomes. It was enjoyable and an extremely valuable experience in our Strategy workshop.”
“I didn’t realize how much I NEEDED Art Therapy. It was like rain falling on desert soil. And I have grown so much. My heart feels alive again. I will be back!”
“It was a time to forget about the problems and the world around me. Sam is a brilliant facilitator. Even though I was nervous, it was a time for me to reflect and to enjoy how therapeutic art can be. It calmed the storm that reigned inside of me. The Mandala Art Therapy workshop is like having a picnic next to a quiet river. You granted time to reach that point where you can become quiet and can experience the Universe.”
“A very comprehensive and thorough intro into Art Therapy. Covered a lot of ground in 5 days and left with a priceless manual and a warm glow.”
“It was the best week of my life, I learnt that I could always be happy as long as I was in a happy and comfortable space, and if I wasn’t I needed to create that space. I learnt that I was in control and all I had to do was to take charge and have fun and paint on a bigger board i.e. see the bigger picture. I am so grateful for the opportunity that came my way and that I was able to embrace and savor it.”
