Teenagers

Art therapy for teenagers

How Can Art Therapy Help You?

Being a teenager isn’t always easy. There are times when everything feels overwhelming: difficult emotions, pressure from school, relationships with others… sometimes words just aren’t enough to express it all. That’s where art therapy can really make a difference.

Art therapy is a space just for you, where you can express yourself through creating—whether it’s drawing, painting, or exploring other forms of art. You don’t need to be an artist; it’s all about creating at your own pace, without any judgment.

Here’s how I can help:

Express what you’re feeling: If you’re overwhelmed by emotions like anger, sadness, or anxiety, art can help you let it all out, even if it’s hard to talk about.

Get to know yourself better: This is a time when you’re figuring out who you are. With art therapy, we’ll explore your ideas, values, and what makes you unique.

Manage stress: Schoolwork, exams, expectations… it can all feel like too much. I can help you learn techniques through art to relax and feel more in control.

Build your confidence: Creating something with your own hands is rewarding. It shows you what you’re capable of and can boost your self-esteem.

Find solutions: Sometimes problems feel like they have no way out. Art therapy helps you think differently and find creative ways to solve challenges.

Art therapy gives you a space to pause, be yourself, and move forward at your own pace. Together, we’ll find ways to help you handle your emotions and face life’s challenges. If you’d like to talk or try a first session, I’m here to listen.

Request an online or in-person consultation now

LETTER TO ADOLESCENTS

From Vicky

Interesting podcast for parents of teens "Improving teen mental health with Lisa Damour"

Art therapy can reach to people who are resistant to other forms of help such as the teenagers!

FAQ

How should I propose art therapy to an adolescent?

Art therapy can be used as a tool for self discovery or a way to deal with difficult periods in life.

The best ways to propose this type of therapy to an adolescent are:

Pick a good/relaxing time for both of you and tell them that you are worried about them.
Show empathy, love and care and explain them why you think that they could benefit from seeing an Art therapist.
Remain calm if they claim they do not see the need to see a therapist.
Advice them to go for a trial session (recommend an art therapist you know).
Offer to make the first contact with the therapist on their behalf.
Give them the time to reflect (unless they are a danger to themselves)*.
Set yourself as an example and start art therapy first.
Give them a book about the benefits of art therapy.

* In this case please consult a medical doctor as soon as possible.

In which cases is art therapy recommended for adolescents?

In most cases, the teenagers I meet face difficulties that they cannot or do not want to talk about. Their expression of emotions can be also blocked. Art therapy gives them a new way of expressing and recognizing emotions as well as the safe space to meet and develop the relationship of trust they need.

Art therapy can help:

in times of academic pressure (exam preparation, etc.).
in the event of the loss of a loved one.
during periods of bullying at school, etc.
in case of addiction (to substances, etc.).
in case of family problems
in case of change of country-language-culture
during periods of traumatic experiences-accidents
in case of panic attacks

How many sessions will they need?

All people have different needs. As a rule of thumb 8-10 sessions are required to feel comfortable and begin to trust a therapist. While art has the power to provide immediate relief to people of all ages, it will take a number of sessions to see an emotional evolution.

What are the main goals of art therapy?

Goals may vary depending on the needs of each person.

Some general goals of art therapy:

Improved self-awareness (drawings serve as mirrors)
Improved self-confidence (every piece of art is a success)
Improved self-expression (pictures make it easier for people to find words to express their feelings)
Release of strong emotions (art relaxes and releases)
Improved communication skills (the therapist's empathy is important here)

Should we discuss the sessions at home?

It is best to avoid discussing about the sessions during the therapy period. This can cause tension and anxiety, and even misunderstandings among parents and kids, for example. The therapist is the one who guides the session and maintains the emotional balance (space and time boundaries, reflection, awareness of transference and countertransference issues).

As a therapist, I record the sessions in my notes (preferably with photos of the paintings) to better understand the healing process and record the progress that has been made. Parents can request verbal debriefing whenever desired and a written report of observations at the end of each therapeutic cycle.