Play is the language of childhood, and it is through play, creativity and imagination that children make sense of their world and make meaning from their experiences. Art Psychotherapy is particularly sensitive to the developmental needs of children, allowing children to dip into challenges or issues such as loss or anxieties or trauma through play and creativity and story telling. The use of creative interventions supports a child to engage in these challenges at their own pace while allowing the child to self regulate, and often have fun through the process. An integral part of my practice is the inclusion of parents and careers in this process as supporting parents also supports each child.
Fear, anxiety and worry are normal parts of childhood and child development and it is when children overcome such experiences with the support of a caring adult that create a resilient child. If a child is struggling to overcome such experiences they may need additional support.
If you are uncertain if your child needs support, some indicators that you child might be struggling include the following:
Increased worry or anxiety, changes in eating, toileting or sleep behaviours, increased nightmares, inability to separate from parents, school avoidance, very easily startled, hypervigilence, struggling with loud noise, withdrawal or avoidance of friends, family or social situations, psychosomatic pains, e.g chest pain, back pain, tummy ache, pains in legs etc, (note: does this pain mirror any physical pain you or another parent or carer experience) Increased, tantrums or change in mood or irritability or continuous fear or crying, poor attention or self regulation or disruption in memory and learning.
Each child is different and may present with some or most of these indicators to varying degrees, your child may need additional support if they are challenged to overcome such issues over a long period of time, or these indicators increase or become amplified. If you are uncertain trust your instinct, you know your child best and consult with your GP or a therapist about your concerns.
Mary Bergin Art Psychotherapist BA., H.dip., MA., M.Ps.S.I., MIACAT., Reg