Art Therapy at Children's Hospital Colorado
As part of the Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program at Children's, our art therapists use art as an outlet for expression and healing. Art therapy uses the visual side of the brain that expresses unconscious feelings through images instead of words.
What is art therapy?
A patient uses art therapy as an
outlet to help express her
feelings about a recent medical
diagnosis.
Art therapy is the therapeutic use of making art. It can be done by children and families experiencing illness, trauma, grief or life challenges. The best part of art therapy is that patients and families don't even have be artistic. Anyone can engage in or benefit from various forms of art therapy such as painting, sculpting and pottery making. Simpler activities like doodling, making animals out of play dough, decorating with glitter, or even scrap booking, are all creative ways for a child to express himself and ease the stress of hospitalization or illness.
How does art therapy help kids?
Through creating art and reflecting on the end result, kids and their families can benefit by:
- Expressing feelings about illness, medical treatment, stress or traumatic experiences
- Increasing awareness of self and others
- Enhancing cognitive abilities
- Experiencing physical and emotional healing
- Enjoying the experience and satisfaction of making art
How can my child get started in the program?
Art therapy could be an integral part of your child's visit to Children's Hospital Colorado. To get started, please contact the Ponzio Creative Arts Therapy Program by calling (720) 777-4360.
