The "Art" of Helping Children Cope

Photo of a woman helping a child with artwork

Creating personal artwork has long been a favorite childhood activity. But now, pediatric specialists have learned that creative activities are more than fun — they have therapeutic benefits for youngsters.

Art therapy, as it is known, may take different forms. Younger children may use colored pencils or a paintbrush. Older children may create sculptures or paintings. any way they choose to create, one thing is for sure: Children and adolescents are better able to share their feelings by creating images that open up a window to their world.

Through art therapy, ill or hospitalized children work with an art therapist to identify and explore issues that may be difficult for children to articulate. The creative sessions and guidance of the art therapist help children cope with cancer, chronic conditions, negative body image, prolonged hospitalizations and other issues related to their health or medical care.

"It's often hard for kids to express their feelings or talk about their fears with doctors or family members," says Laura Kiser, MA, ATR, LCPC, an art therapist in the Child Life Program at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM). "But art is a language they understand. it's something external that tells us what's going on internally."

Children use crayons, markers, paint, clay, collage and other media during art therapy. at first, patients may work on projects of their own choosing. as Ms. Kiser gets to know them and their challenges, she may direct their artwork to help them address their most pressing issues.

"If kids are worried about losing their hair or gaining weight because of their treatments, I can talk with them and help them see that there are more positive ways of looking at the situation," says Ms. Kiser. "Or I can let doctors and family members know that kids need more help and support because they're worried about an uncertain future."

Ms. Kiser offers individual art therapy in patients' rooms, as well as group therapy services. Some patients may participate in only one session. Others may spend more time working with Ms. kiser and create multiple works of art.

"Art can be cathartic," she says. "But we don't use art as a simple distraction. Children's artwork tells me where they are emotionally and helps them take a more active role in their own treatment."

Art therapy is a new service offered by the Phoebe H. Stein Child Life Program at CHAM. as part of the program, seven child life specialists, a music therapist and an art therapist use age-appropriate strategies to address the emotional, social, cognitive and developmental needs of children and adolescents.

Child life specialists work closely with families and health care teams throughout the hospital — including inpatient units, outpatient practices and the Pediatric Emergency Department — to reduce the stress of hospital or outpatient visits and achieve healthcare goals. They help familiarize kids with the hospital and help educate them about their illness, treatment and procedures. For example, child life specialists may use miniature medical equipment, dolls and pictures to help prepare kids for upcoming procedures. They also encourage kids to visit the playroom or teen lounge where they can participate in organized group activities, socialize with peers and have fun!

The art therapy component is an important addition that will help make the hospital experience a better one for children. "Art is fun, but it is also proven to be beneficial to children," MS. Kiser says. "It's wonderful to be able to provide patients with an outlet they enjoy that also helps them heal."

Helping Parents Cope

You don't have to deal with your child's illness alone. The Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) has a special area, the Suzanne Pincus Family Learning Place, where you can get the information and support you need during this difficult time.

Browse our extensive collection of print, electronic and audiovisual materials on a variety of health topics and in many languages. Participate in our workshops and other educational activities and connect with support groups, community-based agencies and national organizations that work on behalf of children and their families.

The Family Learning Place is located in the upper lobby of The Children's Hospital at Montefiore at 3415 Bainbridge Avenue and open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 718-741-2FLP (2357) or visit www.montekids.org/programs/flp.