The aim of the Art Therapy Derby blog is helping you get stronger by 1) helping you to understand, support and care for your child or adolescent whilst 2) nurturing and strengthening your role as a parent or a care-giver. 3) To offer resources, support an

adult colouring books vs art therapy books, an interesting debate

21/11/2017

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Hugh Wilson interested in my views, as an art therapist, about adult colouring books. These books are often referred to as Art Therapy books in shops and online shopping; and I guess it's the name that I struggle with the most.

When these colouring books started to appear I felt very defensive about their titles, as I worked hard to become an art psychotherapist and felt that these books could threaten the credibility of the profession. Art therapy is a profession and art therapist/psychotherapist a protected job title; art therapists in the UK are registered with Health and Care Professionals Council (a statutory regulatory body). Saying this, however, my initial defensive reaction was towards its name; art therapy books. As time has gone by I started to feel that these books are actually invited people’s curiosity and brought debate into the profession. Just as Night Nurse (the medicine), does not define or threaten the nursing profession.

Colouring books, nevertheless, can be very therapeutic and I have a few colouring pictures in my therapy consulting room. Although not necessarily creative or expressive forms of art, they can express emotional states as well as influence the individual’s mood. Above all, they facilitate the individual’s near trance state which in turn will help lower stress levels and improve quality of life. Engaging in activities such as colouring, doodling, knitting or doing crochet helps quieten the mind enough, whilst maintaining the individual present and vigilant in the here-and-now. I would say that colouring could be classified as a mindfulness activity, and for this there has been plenty of evidence of its therapeutic benefits.

Follow the link to Hugh's Huffington Post article, How Adult Colouring Books Can Help You Beat Stress, with lots more information about the benifits of colouring...
...and let me know your thoughts by commenting on this post.

Marta Perestrello

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How to support your child or adolescent attending therapy

3/9/2016

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Children and young people (under the age of 16) attending therapy need to be accompanied by a responsible adult, who remains in the building for the entire duration of their sessions.
This is for various reasons, for example:

The child or the therapist may decide to bring the session to an early end,
The child may need to seek out reassurance or comfort from an adult they know and trust outside the therapeutic relationship,
The child may need adult support or supervision in going to the toilet or washing their hands.

How can I make a difference in my child or adolescent's therapy

Over the years, as an art psychotherapist, I have seen many children and young people for therapy. The way that they are supported in attending their sessions can have a great effect in the way they engage in their appointments.
I have noticed that by talking through these ideas with their parents and carers, not only children were arriving and leaving their sessions calmer but also they were in a better place to engage in their own therapeutic process.
I hope these suggestions are helpful for you to support your child or adolescent in making the most of their therapy.

Art Therapy Derby consulting room
Play and create area

Why is your role so important?

Attending therapy can be quite anxiety provoking. Especially in the first few sessions when the client is developing trust and a positive relationship with the therapist- known as the Therapeutic Alliance.
This is a particularly fragile time. Your child is making important judgements and decisions about therapy and the therapist. The way you support him in this period is crucial.
Here are some things to keep in mind and ideas to take before and after his sessions.

Before the therapy starts

It’s always good for the child or adolescent to meet the therapist before therapy starts. This is a good time to ask any questions and to decide how to do things.
Because art therapy takes a psychodynamic approach, which means that the relationship between the client and therapist is central to the therapeutic success, the more this relationship is respected and nurtured outside the therapy room, the easier it is for the child to trust and develop a good relationship with the therapist.
In my experience, it has always been helpful for you to say to the child ‘You’re seeing Marta tomorrow, would you like to prepare anything for it?’ or ‘Let’s go to see Marta now.’ rather than ‘You have therapy tomorrow’ or ‘Let’s go to therapy now.’

Before the therapy Sessions: Things to keep in mind

1. Prepare your child for each session, preferably the day before, how is it going to happen?

Who is taking him to therapy?
At what time?
Are you going from home or school?

2. Plan sufficient time for the journey. He may already be anxious about his appointment, being rushed can only add to the stress. Do not arrive too early and avoid arriving late.
3. During the journey, keep a calm and soft tone. Avoid talking about upsetting or conflicting themes. Do not try to break silences; your child may need a quiet time in preparation for his session.
4. Let your child know what you will be doing while he is in session. He might be curious or worried about you during his therapy time. Knowing what you are doing can help him settle and not to be distracted about you outside the therapy room.

Where are you actually waiting?
What you will be doing? i.e. having a pause/relaxing, reading, writing, or thinking of him.
Never complain of ‘wasting time’ by waiting for the session to be over.
Do not say that you would like to ‘pop to the shop’ or make an important phone call while waiting.

5. If your child is a bit anxious or apprehensive, encourage him to let me know of this, or suggest you telling me at the beginning of the session. However, never tell me that the child has been ‘really nervous’ before the session without him agreeing to it. You can explain to him that feeling a little nervous is natural, and that I would understand and help him to feel welcome.
6. Resist the temptation to distract or reassure your child away from whatever he is feeling about the session and in meeting me. Usually once a child is in the therapy room he is ok and I will be paying attention as to whether he is able to manage the session.

You can say ‘I am sure you will be alright, I trust Marta to look after you’, ‘I’ll be waiting/thinking of you outside’ or ‘At any moment you can decide to leave the session.’
Do not say ‘Have fun!’ or ‘Go and talk to Marta about it.’

After the therapy sessions: Things to keep in mind

1. No matter at what time your child finishes his session (early or on time), you need to receive him with sensitivity and warmth when he leaves the therapy room.

Do not make direct questions, such as ‘How did it go?’ ‘Did you have fun?’ ‘Did you tell Marta about…?’
You can say ‘Thank you Marta.’, ‘Is there anything I need to know before we go?’ or ‘Are you ready to head back?' or 'Do you need a few minutes before we go?’

2. As mentioned before, you may have already agreed with the child what to do after his appointment. This can always be re-negotiated as the therapy progresses. Your child may need extra time or support during the first few sessions, an as the time goes by he will know the process better and is more able to manage and regulate his emotions. Whatever you have decided between you two, make sure you stick to it! These will help your child to know that you can keep him in mind and that you are there to support him in the therapeutic process.
3. On your way back after the session, you can make a positive acknowledgement. When appropriate you can say something like ‘Well done for going today, I know you were a little worried before the session.’ or ‘I am really proud of you seeing Marta, I know that it’s not always easy’.
4. Also, and very importantly, you can say something like ‘Thank you for letting me to take you to see Marta, I am really proud of being able to help you in this.'

Give your feedback

Supporting a child in attending therapy is an important job, and not always easy for a parent or a carer. If you have a child that needs to have therapy make sure the therapist values your role and ask in what way can you do this as best as you can.
Please let me know if these suggestions have been helpful and if you have other ideas that have not been mentioned above.
I would love to hear from you!

Marta Perestrello at Art Therapy Derby

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