“Take the first step. No more, no less, and the next will be revealed”
As a parent of three teenagers and young adults, I know there have been many times I’ve questioned and have had questions about parenting and supporting my children as they grow and learn on this journey of experience called “life”.
Every parent wants the best for their child and being a parent can be incredibly rewarding yet challenging at the same time. However, like adults, children can also experience events in their life that might activate certain behaviours or changes whereby they may need some extra support. In the same way that an adult might seek help from a professional, at times, children may also require the same assistance to share their story and work through what’s happening for them.
In an ever-changing world, for many parents and children, connectedness to self and others is also becoming more of a challenge. This can cause a pull towards looking outside ourselves to devices or others for answers and a shift away from trusting and listening to our own instincts, inner and outer wisdom, body connections and strengths. When this happens, sometimes our internal compass, around which direction to head or how to deal with certain issues, becomes clouded and confused. A bit like driving to an unknown destination without a map!
Using art therapy and counselling is an engaging, immersive and effective way for both parents and children/teens to re-connect to your whole self to explore, gain the tools and work through what is being experienced to help:
Through counselling and art therapy you are given the opportunity to put into expressive form what’s being experienced, providing a space to gently explore and help find clarity.
Some common concerns parents have might include:
If so, I offer a supportive, safe space to help gain insight, knowledge, self-awareness and understanding in situations such as these and more.
To take the first step, enquire below or call and we can have a chat about your concerns.
Is art therapy and/or counselling right for you?
“Creating artwork allows your mind to be in a safe place while it contemplates the tougher issues you are dealing with. One can use the tools of brush, paint, pastels, crayons etc to expose and even for a short time color those issues in a different light.”
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a specialised counselling method that uses creative expression, like art, (with or without talking) to promote wellbeing. It’s not about producing skillful artworks, it’s about using the creative process in an engaging way to discover more about yourself and help solve problems. Sometimes experiences and feelings are difficult to find words for which is where art therapy can assist, as it helps people express themselves and uncover what’s within their unconscious (which is often where limiting beliefs and perceptions are held) in a safe and therapeutic environment.
No prior art experience is required to do art therapy.
How Do I explain Art Therapy to my child or teen?
Thinking about starting art therapy? Here’s some information that might help…..
How great would it be if you could tackle problems and feel better by making art using exciting creative materials.
Well, there is a way you can…..
By doing Art Therapy!!
No previous art experience is required, because every human being has the ability to create, so whether you like to scribble, paint, mould, build, splash colour, write words, move, draw or something other – art therapy is for you!
How will art therapy help me?
Art therapy is a way for us to talk to each other – using the creative process as part of our language – to share what you are thinking and feeling about what’s happening in your life.
It’s not about being an artist or making something that’s perfect. What it is, is a space where you can be who YOU want to be, make what YOU want to make and express yourself how YOU want to, to help you feel:
It helps you to:
But wait…. How does therapy work and how do I do it?
Life is like a journey and sometimes problems and issues can get in our way (like a roadblock stopping the traffic) and these roadblocks can stop us from feeling as good as we would like to feel.
Imagine you are the driver of your car and you have a passenger sitting next to you to help you navigate where you want to go and how to get there. Through your art making, you can go anywhere you want to and explore anything you think is important in your life. At the same time, I’m sitting with you as your passenger, to help you find the tools, instruments, maps and directions to help you get to where you would like to go and feel how you would like to feel.
We might also talk to each other about what you’ve created, or we might just choose to talk to each other without making any art. The choice is yours. I’ll also be keen to hear your ideas about ways we could tackle any problems or roadblocks that might be stopping you from feeling great. You have the answers inside, but sometimes you need some help to uncover them. As we uncover things, we can then explore them more to understand and work out why you might be feeling a certain way and find solutions to help manage those problems and roadblocks so you can keep driving forwards in the way you would like to.
That’s how art therapy works!
Whether you:
Art therapy is for you!
So, when and why should I do art therapy?
You don’t have to have any particular reason to do art therapy, as it helps anybody, at any age, for any reason, at any time, but if you answer yes to any of the questions in the box below, it might be the solution you are looking for to help you feel your best self.
Together we can tackle anything, big or small, by making art, creating things, drawing, talking, using your imagination, sensing your feelings and storytelling. Plus, art therapy can also be fun!
You can make, shape and change anything you want to. It’s your life. It’s your story. It’s your choice. You are in control. You are the driver of your car!
So, I invite you to choose art therapy to take you in your new direction and let’s go on this life journey together.
Some common reasons people do art therapy or counselling.
Do you ever feel:
If you answered YES to any of these or have other issues or concerns, then art therapy or counselling could help you and be your solution.