By: Anna Agoncillo


What is Art Therapy?

According to American Art Therapy Association (2014): "Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages." 

Image Credits: Stephanie Sicore via Flickr

Art therapy has been proven to improve the well being of individuals by using various mediums such as painting, sculpting, singing, and drawing. Art therapy is especially beneficial for children since they are naturally more imaginative, artistic, and creative. They can express their feelings more through art than through words. 

In that note here are 5 Benefits of Art Therapy on Children and a bonus recommendation of a Paint-By-Numbers Kit by Paintastic Art Craft that your Children will enjoy. 

1. PROMOTES SELF-EXPRESSION WITH LITTLE TO NO BOUNDS

Art therapy is a one of a kind therapy that can be used in counseling or diagnosis because of its creative nature that has little to no bounds. It allows the children to manifest their own feelings and emotions that they might have repressed.

2. ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Art as a language can uncover the conscious and unconscious mind. Hence, art therapy can be used to assess and treat children with anxiety, depression, family and relationship issues, social and emotional difficulties related to learning disabilities, grief and loss, and cognitive problems (American Art Therapy Association, 2009). 

3. HELP IN ABUSIVE OR TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES

Art therapy can help a child to express and deal with physical or sexual abuse because sometimes it is hard to put trauma into words. It is capable of exploring and managing traumatic experiences. 

4. FOSTER POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND HAPPINESS

One of its finest benefits is to guide the child to have a more positive outlook in life. It is also capable of leading your child to health and happiness.

5. ENHANCES PROBLEM-SOLVING AND COGNITIVE SKILLS

One of the fundamental aspects of schooling is cognitive skill. Teaching your child how to think will give him or her edge needed for academic success in the future. And, art therapy can help enhance one's cognitive abilities. Furthermore, it is capable of promoting problem-solving skills.

After realizing that Art Therapy is perfect for you or your child; you can purchase a quality DIY Painting Kit from Paintastic Art Craft. They offer kits with affordable prices and weekly special offers. The painting sizes for sale range from mini to large so you will be able to find a size that is suitable to your child's needs. 

If you are curious on how Paint-By-Numbers kit go then see for yourself… 
The set usually includes the well-designed canvas template, acrylic paints, brush, and instructions. This can surely be a fun experience for the kids that may even turn to a great hobby. What's more? They will develop their artistic potential and get the benefits of Art Therapy as mentioned above. Follow Paintastic on Facebook now at facebook.com/PaintasticArtCraft to stay updated. 

Click here to read the previous post: 6 "Struggles" That Only Psychology Majors Will Understand 

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References

American Art Therapy Association (2014) 

American Art Therapy Association (2009) 

Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association 

Art Therapy Blog