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Information for Parents ( Information for Schools is Here )
According to the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice, around 20% of children may have some form of special educational needs at some point in their education. Art therapy can help young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties to access the curriculum by offering them an alternative language with which to express their feelings and problems in a safe way.
Young people often find it difficult to talk about their problems. They are still learning the rules of language and how to put their feelings into words. Some experiences may be too painful to voice. Young people can use the artwork and the art materials to work through their problems.
The art materials can safely hold feelings in a very real physical sense. For example strong feelings such as anger can be physically channelled into clay, providing a much needed release and teaching a new way to cope.
Children may gain self-esteem, self-confidence and a sense of satisfaction by creating something that has meaning for them. They may also gain coordination and improved concentration over time.
The art therapist encourages young people to be playful and spontaneous. We do not pressure young people to make artwork or talk about their work, which helps them to relax and build trust in the therapist.
Children may be seen individually or in groups. Group work can help children who have gone through similar experiences, reducing their sense of isolation and enabling them to share their feelings. In individual art therapy children benefit from one-to-one attention with an adult.
We strongly encourage parents/guardians to meet with the art therapist before the therapy begins to discuss any questions or concerns. We also like to have on-going contact throughout the therapy and may arrange further meetings as necessary.
