Supporting Your Child’s Journey with Child-Centered Expressive Arts Therapy
Child-centered expressive arts therapy is a unique approach that uses creative expression—art, play, music, movement, and more—to help children and teens explore emotions, discover themselves, and heal. While I primarily use these methods with children and teens, I also work with adults who benefit from creative exploration.
This approach recognizes that children often struggle to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. Even when they can describe their emotions, we must remember that full emotional regulation is a skill that develops over decades (and, let’s be honest, many adults are still working on it!). Children between the ages of four and thirteen experience tremendous developmental changes. While growth continues after age thirteen, before then it can be especially challenging for kids to make deep shifts in how they see themselves. As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your child’s journey through expressive arts therapy. Here’s how you can help your child—and yourself—navigate this developmental highway:
1. Understanding the Approach
By reading this, you’re already taking the first step! Child-centered expressive arts therapy is all about creating a safe, non-judgmental space where children can explore their inner world through creativity and play. The focus is on the process, not the finished product. In our Western culture, we often value outcomes and comparisons, but in therapy, we challenge that mindset. I (Bridget) am continually examining these ideas in myself, and I invite you to join me in this journey of self-reflection.
2. Respecting Your Child’s Autonomy
In therapy, I respect each child’s autonomy—and I encourage you to do the same at home. Let your child choose the materials, themes, and pace of their creative activities. Avoid imposing your own expectations or agenda. Trust that your child’s process is valuable, even if it looks different from what you might expect.
3. Creating a Supportive Environment
You can foster creativity at home by:
Setting up a dedicated art space with a variety of materials.
Encouraging imaginative play.
Creating an atmosphere where your child feels safe expressing thoughts and feelings.
4. Being Present and Attentive
When your child is engaged in expressive arts activities, be fully present. This means putting away your phone and tuning in to your child’s cues. Listen actively, validate their feelings, and offer empathetic support. Please avoid asking, “What is it?” about their artwork—this can shut down their creative expression. I’m happy to coach you on supportive ways to respond during parent sessions!
5. Encouraging Reflection and Dialogue
After creative activities, invite your child to reflect on their experience. Ask open-ended questions and encourage dialogue about what they created. This helps them gain insight into their emotions and thoughts, deepening their self-understanding.
6. Supporting Integration and Application
Help your child apply what they learn in therapy to everyday life. Practice coping strategies together, reinforce resilience, and support their efforts to regulate emotions.
7. Collaborating with the Therapist
I welcome close collaboration with parents. This might include attending sessions together, discussing progress and challenges, and implementing strategies at home. Your involvement is key to your child’s growth.
Additional Resources and Activities
Looking for ideas to support your child at home? Try these:
Peaceful Piggy Meditation (a read aloud book)
And please, share your favorite games or activities with me—I love learning from you, too!
Thank you for being an active partner in your child’s journey.
Warmly,
Bridget
bridget@bridgetbertrand.com
www.bridgetbertrand.com