Fun art therapy activities for kids and adults

The emotional release that drawing, painting or sculpting provides can have healing and therapeutic effects for adults and children alike. These relaxing working methods of managing emotions and expressing oneself can help to understand certain ideas that talk therapy cannot bring out.

If you have never experienced it, or know someone who would benefit from this type of expression, then art therapy is an interesting resource to explore.

In this article, we will explain what art therapy is, how adults and children can use its techniques, and how to seek help from such a professional.

What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a form of creative expression that can go beyond the limits of language. That is, if an idea or emotion is too difficult, disturbing or painful to say, write or sign, drawing, painting, sculpting, coloring, sewing, collage and many other art methods visual can overcome the language barrier.

Its possible applications can help to improve areas that present a deficit such as:

• Cognitive and sensory-motor function;
• Self-esteem and self-awareness;
• Emotional resilience;
• Insight;
• Social abilities ;
• Conflicts and distress.

However, it is essential to define what art therapy is not. For example, art therapy performed by a trained professional is not the same as services provided by an untrained teacher. The term “art therapy” has been redefined to suit a wider group of people, and it has made its way into this do-it-yourself culture to include concepts not specifically used and endorsed by art therapy professionals. .

Benefits of art therapy

In the past, art therapy tools and adult coloring books could only be considered true art therapy if they were designed by licensed professionals. Often this lack of qualifications is the benchmark when it comes to mass marketed adult coloring books.

However, that doesn’t mean that coloring apps and adult coloring books (among many other resources found outside of a counselor’s office) aren’t useful for personal practices. These methods are excellent for use as needed, although it is important to note that there are professional resources available for more targeted healing.

Fun art therapy activities and suggestions for kids and teens

Art as a means of healing and communication is very useful for children and adolescents. Young children often rely on their reduced language skills to express complex thoughts and emotions. This barrier can be overcome with methods of expression that they understand a little better, such as drawing and coloring.

Teenagers also benefit from a pressure-free and inconsequential environment for their thoughts and feelings. Here is a list of possible art therapy activities and exercises for children of all ages.

postcard activity

Most people would probably agree that it is easier to express or acknowledge hurt and regret when there is distance between the person involved and the problem. This is why the postcard activity can be a good exercise in self-discovery that helps answer the question “what will you say to a person if you don’t do it face-to-face”?

Lyrics to be illustrated by collage

Teens can be vulnerable to difficult situations where they don’t feel able to be themselves. It is for this reason that it is important for adolescents to identify their values ​​and identity and put them in writing. This activity allows teenagers to discover their essential values ​​through collage. Here is how to teach this activity:

• Prepare magazines, newspapers, cutting paper and other artistic materials for students to make a collage;
• Ask participants what words they live by. If students do not know this, it might be helpful to have quotes they can already use;
• Have them represent their worldview in the collage and use their quotes in the art. The final results can be discussed as a group.

Sweet Project

Humans are all tactile beings, but children in particular are touchers, explorers and curious. Using touch is a way for them to get to know the world and find comfort in it.

This activity is a form of art therapy that emphasizes comforting materials, allowing manageable exploration of uncomfortable emotions. Here are the instructions:

• On a stiff white sheet of paper, ask the participant to create a wall mural out of soft materials. In an older group, using handmade knitting or crochet blocks would be a great way to add some time, pride and fun to the project;
• Paste the material onto the page, taking time to dwell on the textures, feel and arrange in a way that feels right to you.

This activity could easily be transformed into a lively group experience by adding prompts. For example, you could ask participants to use the material to represent a painful event for them, a person with whom they have a painful conflict, or a part of themselves that they are unhappy with. With this project, participants are literally soothed by the bonding, making painful things enjoyable.

In a group with young children, we recommend that you use materials like glue sticks rather than glue bottles and have pre-cut pieces of material ready.

Activity in a secure environment

Building a safe living space is an activity adaptable to all age groups, but can be a tricky project for children and young adults who often have little control over their surroundings and may struggle forever. to feel safe. This project can help a child or teen find ways to secure a safe place or simply feel like they have some control over their environment.

• For an older group it might be more fun to use materials like cardboard boxes, popsicle sticks or folded poster board, but for younger children it would be easier to use materials on a two-dimensional surface;
• Arrange materials to create or represent a place where you feel safe. Participants may not really have a place they feel safe in, and if they do, they should be encouraged to imagine it the way they want;
• Talking about what happened in a space, real or imagined, and the feasibility of its creation can help people readjust their safe space in real life.

If you feel unwell and you want to get rid of this feeling, then do not hesitate to contact us at any time by phone or e-mail, so that we can offer you a therapist who will help you.