Art Therapy
Art Therapy Program at Beacon Children’s Hospital provides one on one and group interventions to patients within the Pediatric Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. Art Therapists provide a unique type of mental health and counseling service and work as part of a comprehensive treatment team to offer support and attend to the totality of the patient experience and overall well-being.
Patients and their families do not need to be artists or have any art experience or knowledge to participate in or benefit from art therapy. Rather, art therapy focuses on embracing and exploring the art process within a caring, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.
The goal of an art therapy program within a pediatric hospital setting is to help children express themselves and cope through using various art media. Art therapy uses the creative process to help patients and their families:
- Cope with medical challenges and hospitalization
- Provide an outlet for, and support emotional self-expression
- Focus thoughts away from pain and discomfort
- Treat stress, fear, and anxiety about medical procedures, depression, and psychosocial or emotional difficulties related to medical illness, trauma, and loss
- Build coping skills, confidence, and self-esteem
- Offer choices and control
- Provide relaxation and meditation
- Foster positive interaction and communication between patients and their families
- Provide social, cognitive, physical, and sensory-environment stimulation
- Improve overall quality of stay in the hospital
- Have fun and enjoy the process of creating art!
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) defines art therapy as “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.” Art Therapists are master’s-level mental health professionals trained in both art and psychology.
American Art Therapy Association – This organization for art therapy professionals explains how art therapy can enhance health and wellness.
For more information about the Art Therapy Program at Beacon Children’s Hospital email afair@beaconhealthsystem.org or call 574.647.3604.