When your teen has faced trauma or they are going through a tough time, they can often find some relief by talking to you or a therapist. An open, judgment-free conversation can help teens process their emotions and move forward in a healthy way.
But what do we do when words aren’t enough?
Sometimes talking through problems and sensitive emotions will not help your teen as much as you hope it will.
Sometimes your teen will not even know where or how to begin talking about what they are going through.
If you find yourself in this boat with your teen, know that your situation is not hopeless.
When teenagers feel like they do not have the words to describe what they are feeling, art can help.
The benefits of art therapy
Art Therapy can make a powerful difference when it comes to helping your teen communicate and express themselves and the emotions they are feeling.
Here are a few ways that creative art therapy helps teens make steps toward healing:
Art therapy involves movement
When your teen’s emotions are overwhelming, they might need to actually get up and move around rather than sitting still and talking about what they are feeling.
Art therapy gives teens the opportunity to participate in a healing activity that is hands-on and involves movement. This can provide a helpful outlet for those who feel like their emotions are building up and need to be released.
Art therapy builds self-esteem
When your teen is feeling anxious or they are wrestling with self-loathing and negative self-talk, art therapy can provide a much-needed self-esteem boost.
Oftentimes art therapy involves learning. Whether teens are discovering how to use a new art form that they have never tried before or they are figuring out a new coping skill or way to express themselves that will help them handle strong emotions, learning new skills is empowering, and it will help improve your teen’s self-esteem.
Art therapy is a mood booster
Creating art, whether that is through painting or drawing or writing, is a natural stress reliever. When the hardship that your teen is facing has them feeling down, art can provide a dopamine boost that will lift their mood and allow them to be better able to face the challenging situations that are going on in their life.
Art therapy provides a physical project
Another benefit to art therapy is that teens are left with a tangible product that they can look back on or use to help them in the future. These projects can serve as a reminder to your teen that they are capable of healing and overcoming trauma and negative emotions.
Incorporating art into therapy
Here are a few ways we use art therapy to help teens:
Writing
Teens can journal about what they are feeling or even just what is on their mind without worrying about finding the perfect words to say. Sometimes the very act of journaling can help teens better understand their emotions.
Creative writing can also be therapeutic for teens. Teens can choose to write fictional stories about anything they choose, which will often allow them to express themselves in a unique way.
Music
Creative art therapy can use music to help teens heal. For instance, teens might be able to create a playlist and design an album cover in order to decrease their sadness and anxiety.
Teens might also find it helpful to listen to music while they draw or engage in other forms of art therapy.
Painting
Painting is a great way to help teenagers share their emotions in an artistic way. When they are finished painting, they can discuss the emotional undertones of their artwork with their therapist.
Finger painting is also used in art therapy. Sometimes therapists will ask their patients to paint the emotions they are feeling or to take other steps that will help them process their feelings.
Sculpting
Molding objects out of clay or other materials can help release anger and stress. The repeated motions are often soothing and will help your teen relax when they are not quite ready to speak about their feelings.
Every teen is different. It is important for teens to have a variety of therapeutic approaches available to them so that they can get the help they need to create positive change in their lives.