Art Therapy
Art therapy can help children:
- Express themselves.
- Build self-esteem and confidence.
- Process thoughts and feelings.
- Focus, calm, and move attention away from worry.
- Gain a sense of control.
- Lower stress and anxiety.
- Develop coping skills.
- Connect and engage with others.
- Share and discuss feelings with family members.
- Manage pain.
Art therapy differs from arts and crafts in that it focuses on the artmaking process. While they create, children may feel safe and comfortable to express their feelings, and are encouraged to take risks and experiment. The child’s experience while they create is more important than the finished art product. Children may not want to display artwork they made during an art therapy session, which is OK.
At Children’s Mercy, art therapy is offered for children and families in all inpatient units. We also provide resources and materials for families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
For more information about art therapy, please email us.
Family Support and Resources
- Your Visit Home
- Family Support and Resources
- Aftercare Program
- Art Therapy
- Care Management and Coordination
- Child and Family Therapy
- Child Life
- Coping and Relaxation Tips
- Facility Dog Program
- Health Information and Medical Records
- Home Care
- Hospital-Based School
- Interpreters and Sign Language
- In the Community
- Kreamer Resource Center for Families
- Library Services
- Music Therapy
- Nurse Advice Line
- Palliative Care
- Parent Exercise Room
- Parent Support Program
- Patient Advocates and Sharing Your Feedback
- Patient and Family Activities
- Patient Family Advisory Councils
- Resources for Suicide Prevention for Kids and Teens
- Ronald McDonald House and Family Room
- Social Work
- Spiritual Services
- Support Programs
- Teen Boards
- Transition to Adulthood
- Trauma Informed Care
- What to Expect