Case study George, 6 years old

George, aged six, moved to Switzerland with his family after leaving his home country for work-related reasons. The long journey, the change of environment, and being separated from his aunt and cousins were felt as major upheavals. Shortly after arriving, George developed a form of functional paralysis affecting his leg and arm, with no identifiable organic medical cause.

The main goal of the art-therapy support was to help George regain an inner sense of safety, rebuild his self-confidence, and gradually restore his motor skills through creative expression and sensory stimulation.

The therapeutic plan began with sessions centred on building trust, using sensory games and playful activities such as drawing, modelling, and construction. These initial sessions let George gently express his emotions while encouraging him—without pressure—to engage the less active side of his body with suitable materials.

In a second phase, exercises promoting emotional regulation and body awareness were introduced (such as floor painting or drawing with both hands). Personalized creative projects, like a treasure box or the creation of an imaginary island, helped build his confidence and supported his sense of identity. In the longer term, art therapy allowed for symbolic exploration of past separations and helped strengthen a more resilient and stable self-image.

Observed evolution
Over the course of four months, George showed clear signs of improvement — more physical stability, better motor skills, and most importantly, a growing ability to express his emotions and needs. This creative journey helped him reconnect with his inner resources and gradually rediscover his joy of living!