Monday, May 21, 2012

Art Therapy

In some situations, children have a hard time explaining what they are thinking or feeling. Other times, a child may feel too afraid to share something that hurt them or scared them. They may feel like they have done something wrong and that they will be in trouble if they express what they are holding onto.  

Using art is a great way for a child to express their experiences, and the emotions that are attached to the experience, without the child having to vocalize. The event the child might draw or paint can give clues as to what is going on within the child. The patterns in which they use and the colors they choose all are windows that help a qualified therapist to peek inside the soul of the hurting child. 

Below is a list of colors and their meanings. When a child uses these colors in an art therapy setting, it helps the therapist look for deeper messages the child may be trying to express. 


Black

  • authority                                                      
  • power
  • strength
  • evil
  • death or mourning

White

  • purity
  • innocence
  • cleanliness
  • spaciousness
Red
  • love
  • energy
  • intensity
  • life
  • blood
Yellow
  • happiness
  • warmth
  • frustration
  • anger
  • attention-getting
Green
  • natural
  • growth
  • money
  • health
Blue
  • calmness
  • cold
  • wisdom
  • loyalty
  • truth
Purple
  • royalty
  • wealth
  • sophistication
  • wisdom
  • mystery

Have you experienced art therapy in your life? 
Have you witnessed the transformation in another's life? 
If so, we would love to hear from you. Please post a comment or emails us at
ContinualCare@gmail.com

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