Hospitalization can be a distressing experience for children facing severe illnesses or injuries. However, recent research has shown that art therapy can significantly improve their mental well-being. The study "Nothing less than a creative triumph: a study of children admitted to hospital for serious somatic illness or injury and their experience of art therapy" provides valuable insights into how art therapy can be a transformative experience for these young patients.
Here are some key findings from the study and how practitioners can implement them to enhance their therapeutic skills:
- Creating a Safe Environment: The study emphasizes the importance of making children feel safe. Practitioners should introduce art therapy as a familiar and comforting activity. Using colorful, non-hospital-related materials can help bridge the gap between the sterile hospital environment and the child's world.
- Empowering the Child: Allowing children to make choices about their artwork can significantly enhance their sense of control and autonomy. This can be achieved by letting them select materials, colors, and subjects for their art projects.
- Encouraging Creativity: The art therapist in the study used various techniques to stimulate creativity, such as using beeswax crayons and aquarelle paints. Practitioners should demonstrate these techniques and provide "invisible" assistance to help children focus and complete their artwork.
- Fostering Communication: Art therapy offers a unique language for children to express their thoughts and feelings. Practitioners should encourage free expression and be attentive to the messages conveyed through the artwork.
- Building a Therapeutic Alliance: The study highlights the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship. Practitioners should mirror the child's language, validate their feelings, and provide consistent support throughout the art-making process.
Implementing these strategies can help practitioners create a more effective and enriching art therapy experience for hospitalized children. The therapeutic benefits extend beyond the art itself, fostering a sense of achievement, resilience, and emotional well-being.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Nothing less than a creative triumph: a study of children admitted to hospital for serious somatic illness or injury and their experience of art therapy.
