Helping Children through Art Therapy and Play Therapy

Play Therapy
Image: playtherapy.org

Clinical psychologist and social worker Dr. Miriam Galindo operates a private practice in Irvine, California, where she assists families facing difficult circumstances. Dr. Miriam Galindo helps children process and recover from troubling events through the use of art therapy and play therapy.

Two types of therapy for people of all ages, particularly young children, art therapy and play therapy incorporate the professional standards of counseling with the use of play, imagination, and creativity to help children express, process, cope with, and heal from difficult experiences.

In art therapy, children are encouraged to express themselves and their experiences through the creation of art projects with the guidance of a professional trained in the arts. Through play therapy, children play and use their imaginations to share tough experiences and work through them while being guided by a mental health professional. The two forms of therapy are often used together.

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An Overview of Art Therapy for Children

Art Therapy for Children
Image: news.vanderbilt.edu

Dr. Miriam Galindo works as a child and family psychologist specializing in high-conflict divorce scenarios. Located in Irvine, California, Dr. Miriam Galindo is especially adept at overseeing play and art therapy sessions with children.

Art therapy, a nuanced blend of psychotherapy and traditional art lessons, has grown rapidly in recent years. This form of psychotherapy has been successfully used with children, as well as adults, dealing with issues as diverse as neglect and the death of a family member.

Non-verbal expression is highly valued in all fields of psychology, though it is more common for younger individuals to struggle when it comes to articulating their thoughts and feelings through words. Mental health professionals have cited art therapy’s ability to help children express their emotions and fears without the use of words as an example of its effectiveness. In some cases, a child’s actions and drawings during a session may reveal issues, or solutions, that previously only existed at the subconscious level.

Five Benefits to Art Therapy for Children

Licensed psychologist and social worker Dr. Miriam Galindo treats children and families at her practice in California. Dr. Miriam Galindo uses art therapy to help young children.

Psychologists use art therapy to provide patients with a way to explore their emotions and distresses in a less structured manner. The use of art therapy, particularly with children, can provide a range of benefits, including:

1. Improved communication. Children generally possess a more limited vocabulary than adults, which can make it difficult for them to put their feelings and concerns into words. This may be especially true for children still learning the primary language of the country they live in. Art therapy provides an alternate means of communicating through paintings, drawings, and visual expression.

2. Nonthreatening venue. Many children find question-and-answer-format sessions intimidating and may express reluctance or hostility about discussing certain topics. The creation of artwork allows children to approach issues in a nonthreatening way and gives them a better sense of control. Therapists can then speak with children about their drawings to help them interpret and explore feelings and uncover solutions.

3. Versatility. The number of issues art therapy can aid children with is nearly limitless. Its use can be applied to dozens of situations, including the death of a family member or friend, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and trauma involving physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

4. Relieve stress. Art helps to relieve stress by focusing the mind on the task at hand and providing a free-form way of expressing emotions.

5. Improved self-confidence. Creating art allows children the opportunity to accomplish something or learn a new skill, such as a new art medium or technique. Encouraging creativity and artistic expression can help children gain confidence by acknowledging the art they produced or the new they skill acquired during the session.