Art Therapy for Kids

Supporting Emotions Through Creativity

Children feel deeply, but they don’t always have the words to share what’s going on inside. Art therapy gives them another way to express themselves through colour, texture, and play.

In sessions, kids are invited to draw, paint, build, or experiment with materials. The focus isn’t on making “good” art, but on creating a safe space where feelings can take shape in their own time.

Why Art Therapy Helps Kids

Expression without words

Art allows children to show what they feel when talking feels too hard.

Emotional regulation

Using their hands and senses helps calm the nervous system.

Confidence and resilience

Exploring ideas freely builds trust in themselves and their choices.

Connection through play

Creativity opens doorways for problem-solving and flexible thinking.

What to Expect in a Session

Every child’s session looks a little different. One might paint with big, sweeping movements, while another carefully sculpts a creature that feels safe to them. Some kids share stories about their art; others simply enjoy the process of making.

As an art therapist, my role is to notice, listen, and create a space where your child feels supported, whether they’re exploring worries, working through big emotions, or simply needing a place to play and be themselves.

Supporting Your Child at Home

Parents often find that creativity can become part of everyday life. Simple practices, such as drawing after school or ripping paper when energy is high, can help children process their emotions and initiate gentle conversations. You don’t need fancy supplies; just a few minutes of shared making can strengthen connection.

Final Thought

Art therapy for kids isn’t about fixing children; it’s about meeting them where they are and giving their inner world room to grow. Through creativity, children can find new ways to express, regulate, and connect, building emotional skills that support them well beyond the therapy space.

If you’d like to learn more about how art therapy could support your child, I offer mobile sessions across Melbourne’s north, click here to book a consultation!

Simple materials like rocks, crayons, and stickers can open new pathways for kids to express their feelings.