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Dear Parent,
Welcome, and thank you for considering art therapy for your child. I understand that seeking help is a significant step, and you likely have many questions about whether art therapy is the right choice. I’m here to help you find clarity.
1) Is art therapy the right therapy for my child?
Yes, art therapy is an effective approach for children who face communication difficulties, anger, behavioral challenges at school, or pain from separation or loss. It provides a safe, creative outlet where children can express their emotions and thoughts beyond words. Through activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting, children can process complex feelings, build self-awareness, and learn healthier ways of interacting with others.
2) How many sessions will my child need?
Every child’s journey is unique. However, a typical minimum duration of therapy is around 10 sessions, as this allows time for your child to engage fully with the process and begin to see meaningful changes. Some children may benefit from additional sessions, particularly if addressing longer-standing issues. During our initial sessions, I will assess your child’s needs and work with you to create a personalized plan.
3) Should I invest in art therapy even if it is not reimbursed by my complementary insurance?
While some complementary insurance plans do cover art therapy, I understand that not all do. If changing your insurance isn’t an option, it’s worth considering that investing in your child’s emotional well-being is one of the most impactful choices you can make. The cost of 10 sessions is approximately 1000 CHF, a similar expense to a small family holiday. Many parents find that prioritizing their child’s emotional health yields benefits that last far longer and have a transformative impact on their overall happiness and resilience.
4) Why should I choose art therapy over other forms of psychological help?
Art therapy is unique because it leverages your child’s natural creativity as a pathway to healing. Unlike traditional talk therapies, it allows children who struggle to verbalize their feelings to communicate through images and actions. It’s particularly effective for children dealing with intense emotions like anger, sadness, or anxiety, offering them a gentle, engaging, and effective way to address their challenges.
If you’re unsure whether art therapy is the right fit, I encourage you to schedule an initial consultation. Together, we can explore your child’s needs and determine the best way forward.
Let’s help your child flourish with the support and tools they need to thrive.
Warm regards,
Vicky Tsiaousi
Tip: Make sure that there are always art materials on your table and that kids can paint at any time!
FAQ
FAQ
How does a kid benefit from art therapy?
How does a kid benefit from art therapy?
The objectives can vary according to the needs of each child. The first session is usually an evaluation session where objectives can be set in agreement with the parents and the child.
Some general art therapy objectives:
Improvement of self- awareness (drawings work as mirrors for kids)
Improvement of self-confidence (every artwork is an achievement)
Improvement of self-expression (images help children find easier words for their feelings)
Unblocking repressed feelings (art is relaxing and liberating when there is no judgement)
Improvement of communication skills (the empathy of the therapist is important here)
Are we supposed to discuss about sessions at home?
Are we supposed to discuss about sessions at home?
It is better to avoid discussing our sessions at home during the therapeutic period. This may provoke tension and stress or even misunderstandings and fights, in absence of the therapist. The therapist "holds" the session and keeps the emotional balance (space and time limits, reflection, aware of issues of transference and counter-transference).
Art therapy journals are recommended instead as a way of better understanding the therapeutic process and recording the progress made.
How does art therapy help in stressful situations?
How does art therapy help in stressful situations?
Art therapy can be especially useful after stressful events, such as the parents separation, loss of a loved person or serious illness and before/after a hospital operation. If you anticipate a difficult family situation, it can be helpful for a child to develop a therapeutic relationship prior to the event.
Parents should seek the help of an art therapist if they see the following signs:
1. Strong and persistent negative emotions, like prolonged crying.
2. Panic attacks.
3. Frequent angry outbursts and any kind of violence.
4. Emotional and/or developmental regression.
5. Social withdrawal.
6. Selective mutism.
How many sessions will my child need?
How many sessions will my child need?
It is really difficult to answer this question as all kids have different needs.
However, a minimum of 8 sessions is required for kids to feel comfortable and start trusting the therapist. Art has the power to offer instant relief to patients of all ages, but we need a certain number of meetings in order to have a reliable improvement in terms of the childs' behaviour.
Should parents be present during the session?
Should parents be present during the session?
This depends on the child's age and behaviour.
As the child is getting older, around 10-12- years old, the presence of a parents is unnecessary, unless there are family issues that need to be adressed too. However, parents might be asked to be present during the first art therapy session for a better evaluation of the situation and the child.
Case studies
Case studies
This case study briefly describes the progress made by a child in primary school.
This group therapy took place during the COVID-19 pandemic to alleviate the effects of social isolation of children and their mothers.
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