Art Therapy For Children
And Adolescents
Associate clinician Beth Patane, LCAT is a talented and passionate provider of her primary form of therapy – Art Therapy. In her own words: Art and play come naturally to children. It is often more effective than just talk therapy alone. During this kind of therapy, children use art and media to explore feelings, develop social skills, manage behavior, cope, become more self-aware, reconcile emotional conflict, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. The exact goal will vary depending on the client and their struggles.
Beth uses Art Therapy to help children that have difficulty articulating thoughts, sensations, emotions or perceptions through words. Art expression is non-verbal communication that allows visual expression of experiences, perceptions and feelings. Children often find it is an easy natural way to convey the issues causing them mental and emotional distress. It is also sensory based which allows children to experience and communicate on many levels, including visual, tactile and kinesthetic. Drawings provide useful information on the development of a child. There are many metaphors in art and play that mimic children’s everyday lives. Art therapists are trained in picking up and understanding metaphors.
Now Offering Telehealth in Connecticut
Beth is now licensed for telehealth and can see patients virtually in Connecticut, offering children in the state the same valuable therapeutic support through online sessions.
In addition to all these benefits Art Therapy offers self regulation. Neurobiology studies show that self regulation occurs due to the sensory characteristics of Art Therapy. Art therapists study what materials to offer to children and what they elicit. Art Therapy is effective in improving mood, sensory integration, and calming the body and mind.
Art Therapy is especially helpful if your child or adolescent suffers from anxiety, ADHD, or emotional turmoil. It is one of the best channels to open up communication, and can reveal important insights. Children and adolescents often feel more deeply understood and unconditionally accepted.