Emotional Difficulties

The journey through grief and loss and can be extremely difficult and lonely for anyone, but for children it can be even more intense. There are different situations that can create loss, not just death. Divorce or family transitions can cause a sense of loss that can be very powerful to a young child. Children and adolescents need a safe place to express the grief, anger and fear related to their loss thereby developing important coping skills. Families need to understand how to help themselves and their children as well.

Art Therapy is a vehicle for these emotions when talking about it is too hard. A child’s perception of death and other losses can vary depending on the child’s age, developmental level as well as the circumstances involved. The art therapist is trained to provide:

1) A safe environment for the child to express their feelings through image making as well as verbalizing

2) Clear up misconceptions about the child’s understanding of death

3) Provide on-going support and coping for entire family.