Two of the best ways to have children, youth and adolescents be engaged and focused during
therapy is through art and play. By engaging in art and play, children can release what they are
holding in through different modalities such as clay, painting, drawing, storytelling and many
other ways. During this time, the kids are also gaining insight into who they are, building
confidence, self-esteem and emotion regulation skills suited to their learning and
developmental capabilities!
Children and youth often take some time to build rapport with their counsellor, so having
different objects like squishy’s or the above items allows them to focus on something while they
are talking about painful things. I observe with no judgement, and a fun and mild energy to
match the youth and strive for safety and comfort.
Play and art therapy can be both directed, meaning we have a goal in mind such as processing a
traumatic event or building emotion regulation skills. Or it is non-directed meaning the child or
youth can pick what they would like to do and have freedom of expression, and behaviours are
altered as needed.
For more information check out my blog on Play Therapy
