Art Therapy

Art therapy can help children:

• Express themselves.
• Build self-esteem and confidence.
• Process thoughts and feelings. 
• Focus, calm, and move attention away from worry.
• Gain a sense of control.
• Lower stress and anxiety. 
• Develop coping skills. 
• Connect and engage with others.
• Share and discuss feelings with family members.
• Manage pain.

Art therapy differs from arts and crafts in that it focuses on the artmaking process. While they create, children may feel safe and comfortable to express their feelings, and are encouraged to take risks and experiment. The child’s experience while they create is more important than the finished art product. Children may not want to display artwork they made during an art therapy session, which is OK.

At Children’s Mercy, art therapy is offered for children and families in all inpatient units. We also provide resources and materials for families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

For more information about art therapy, please email us.