Therapeutic Art supports students in identifying and expressing their feelings, thoughts, memories and hopes through a person-centred approach that responds to individual needs. Creative processes such as drawing, painting and clay modelling can balance and strengthen the sense of self, by bringing form and order to students experiencing uncertainty or confusion, or alternatively, by bringing fluidity to release frozen or rigid inner states. 

Working one-to one, the counsellor and student develop a therapeutic relationship that provides a safe and secure environment for students to explore emotional issues that may be affecting them, while also providing support to students who struggle to express their feelings verbally. 

While specific exercises may be offered to help students feel more grounded, present and self-aware, artistic practice naturally promotes flexibility, sensory integration, a sense of playfulness, coordination and concentration.

• Promotes change and growth on a personal level through self-expression

• Offers sensory experiences which elicit emotions in students who have difficulty accessing, labelling and expressing their feelings 

• Develops hand-eye coordination

• Cultivates purposeful action and decision-making

• Coordinating attention on a shared object of interest, such as a drawing or an element in nature, promotes non-verbal social skills and relieves the pressure of direct focus