The concept of art therapy is a relatively new one. Teachers and therapists use it for a variety of reasons, but primarily to give students a nonverbal outlet for their feelings, assist students in improving upon skills such as calming and organizing, increase body awareness as well as improve fine motor skills.
“Art” is defined as “the quality, production, expression…of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.” The medical dictionary defines “therapy” as “a healing power or quality”.
Art therapy can also be used as a way for students to expand their creative abilities. It’s an activity without judgment and is a wonderful way for all students to feel successful and validated. Creating something — anything — gives students an amazing sense of accomplishment and encourages them to do more, to try things maybe outside their comfort zone. Art therapy is used to improve a person’s quality of life (emotionally, physically, or mentally). Some people, especially children, find it difficult (if not impossible) to express themselves verbally. Art therapy is a way for them to express their feelings in a non-verbal way.
Think of it this way: Playing with modeling clay requires the use of fine motor skills and can be a form of heavy work (especially if pounding, rolling, or kneading the clay). Heavy work requires the whole body and can help children with sensory processing disorder. It can improve attention and arousal level as well as body awareness and muscle tone.
Perhaps a child is frustrated or angry…pounding the clay can help get out those feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, etc. The clay is the outlet for releasing the emotions without having to say a single word.
That same heavy work mentioned above can also help children calm and organize the nervous systems. Children who are always “busy” moving, jumping, spinning, skipping, etc. can benefit from this kind of calming structured activity.
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