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11 February
NO 1263
Art
The main difference between art therapy and art expression is that therapy often moves into discussion of the art and self-reflection while art expression is all about “being thereâ€Â, enjoying the process and going with the flow. If children want to tell you about their art, listen with great attention, but understand that asking probing questions may put a detrimental dynamic into the relationship. They may think that they have to give to you no matter how they feel, which undermines their emotional safety and comfort. Assume a stance of curiosity and interest rather than wanting information – kids know the difference.
It is important to understand that art can sometimes bring up strong feelings for people and it is vitally important to operate within clear safety guidelines. My safety rule for all is that no one can injure themselves or others, or damage property in any way while in my room. For example, I do not allow paint or clay to be thrown around because it is important that kids learn how to control their impulses and respect other people’s property. If there are any dangerous behaviors beginning to emerge, the child hears the safety rule once and if he or she still cannot manage, the session ends.
There are some situations where art therapy, or even art expression, is contraindicated. Kids labeled ‘psychotic’ may become stirred up by the art process and be overwhelmed by feelings or images; highly impulsive kids might not manage the open format very well or very angry kids could escalate if boundaries are unclear or poorly established. Use your good judgement and know that art expression is not for everyone.
The art activity provides a pathway to understanding a child’s subjective experience of his or her world. It can reflect serious life issues, normal developmental challenges or display a fleeting state of mind such as a frustrating day or a grumpy mood. All art products are meaningful in some way to the person creating them, but not all art is significant in terms of life issues. In my opinion, it is much less important to understand a theme emerging in the art than it is to listen to a child and relate to him or her in the moment. The child’s experience of being seen and heard is the most important of all. As Child and Youth Care workers, our relationships with the children we work with are key but are not easily attained. Efforts taken to meet the child at his level through art and play activities can create that bridge.
In reflecting on my portrayals of my parents at age nine, I must say that they were a synthesis of fantasy, TV shows and reality. My father drank a lot but my mother never intervened as portrayed in my story. Perhaps I wanted her to. Their marriage ended once I reached adolescence. It is reasonable to state that I was a keen observer of family life as a little girl, as many of my cartoon stories revealed. I think that we must never underestimate the abilities of children to share important perceptions about themselves and their lives.
Be it through art, play or behavior, taking the time to learn who they are and what they need is the essence of effective relational work with children.
LESLIE FLETCHER
Fletcher, L. (2004). Artful Encounters with Children & Youth. Relational Child and Youth Care Practice, 17, 1, pp. 23-28
