ART THERAPY GROUP FOR SIBLINGS

When stresses on a family pile up, siblings can start fighting with each other or withdraw. Sometimes they simply feel lost and lonely.

• When siblings join in art therapy sessions, they learn and practice clear rules: No criticism of other people’s art; children do not draw on another child's picture without permission; people take turns using supplies that need to be shared. These and other rules help children to practice respect for themselves and each other.
• While respecting important boundaries, the children are also being helped to safely express themselves through art. There is room for many different feelings: anger, sadness, confusion, grief, despair, among others. These feelings get explored and shared, indirectly through the art and directly through words when a child is ready to do so.
• Siblings facing a death in the family together can feel less alone, confused, or abandoned. Those who have been fighting or not talking with each other can begin to build bridges. Fears can be shared and understood. Siblings more easily cope with the challenges in their lives.
• Using bioenergetic practices to gain skills in self-care, agitated or hyperactive children can become calmer. Withdrawn and frightened children can gain strength and confidence. Children can learn new ways to help each other. Return to the top or next

INDIVIDUAL ART THERAPY

Every child moves through very dynamic processes of growth, filled with surprises and new challenges. Creating images that 'speak volumes', children can explore and integrate many parts of self that left unattended create problems. Difficult life transitions become opportunities for growth.

• Confused and angry children can find safe and self satisfying expression through guided imagery and integrate new boundaries to their behavior at home or in school.
• Hyperactive children can learn to focus through the structure and containment provided by consistent individual sessions. The images created can help the child to organize the inner and outer stimuli that can drive a child into constant action.
• Withdrawn children of few words, or autistic children who are echolalic, can discover and share through therapeutically guided art-making new expressions of their inner world. This can help such children to expand how they relate to their outer world.
• Children who are flooded with thoughts and feelings that dissociate them from the people around them can become grounded and anchored in new ways. As their artistic symbols evolve with guidance, they can begin to ‘connect the dots’ in ways that bring them into stronger relationship with the people and physical realities around them.
• A child facing a major life transition can use individual sessions that will proactively support his or her growth. Return to the top or next

PARENT-CHILD ART THERAPY GROUP

How can parent-child sessions help me to help my child?

Being a parent is a very challenging job. These sessions provide a neutral space outside of the home where both you and your child are supported in new ways of being together.

• Each person uses art materials to explore self-chosen images. What you and your child bring to each session organically shapes its focus. Conversation and images evolve with guidance as needed. Both of you are encouraged in your individual strengths, the clarity of your boundaries, and your caring. This can strengthen your relationship.
• Through these processes, you will learn more about yourself and your child. These new understandings can help you, as a parent, to find new ways to communicate with your child and to support his or her growth. You can learn bioenergy exercises to help you or your child more effectively meet the challenges and changes in your lives.
• The end of each session can be used for you and your child to come to agreements regarding problem-solving for the following week. Progress is reviewed in the next session. This can support continuity of growth over time and help to stabilize therapeutic gains within your child’s life.

PARENT/CAREGIVER SUPPORT

What support do you need as caregiver or parent?

A parent, instead of a child, can come for individual sessions. You can explore personal reactions to parenting and heal past traumas and related feelings triggered by current circumstances. As you grow and gain deeper fulfillment and balance, your children benefit and family life strengthens. Learn more at santafemindbodyarttherapy.com