Do you see value in art therapy for children( very long maybe boring post)

[angelbear]

What I am wondering is what is everyones oppinions on the value of art therapy for children that are hospitalized or otherwise traumatized? When I first heard of it my special needs child was 12 yrs old and had broken his leg severely due to tumors that we were unaware of. They could not immediately operate to fix his leg so he was in traction with a morphine drip having frequent seizures and became very depressed. He had been in and out of hospitals his whole life I had never seen him become depressed before. After six days of this they were finally able to operate and repair his leg. I thought that when he came out of the surgery and was able to walk with a walker he would come out of the depression but he did not. He had not spoke to anyone in all this time. Finally I came across a brochure on art therapy that was offered at the hosp but that I had not been told about. I didnt know exactly how it would work but at that point I was willing to try anything. The nurse called the therapist for me. She took him into this room with all kinds of craft supplies. I went for a much needed break. When she returned him to his room he was smiling. She took me outside and showed me what he had done. He had painted a rainbow. She said she told him to make something that made him feel good. She asked me if I knew why he had painted a rainbow I was pretty sure I did and I was right. When she asked him he told her that Just a few days before he broke his leg that we had seen a pretty rainbow in the sky and that he asked mom and dad why the rainbow was there. So she asked him and he told her that the rainbow was a promise from God. Now I realize that is a very simplified version of the rainbow but it was good enough for my son. I could not believe how it turned him around neither could the dr. He even said they needed to start making a bigger deal of the art therapy. Sorry this was so long but it is obviously a story dear to my heart. A student posted a question here dealing with childrens art. So there you have it I am obviously pro art therapy. What are your thoughts?

[dianah, ASN]

We are all the sum of our parts, inside and out, and not just "the broken leg in 203" or "the GI bleed in 3." Art therapy, animal therapy, or whatever touches one, allows expression of the unique person, not just the person as an object. I'm for whatever helps, even it it's 'way out there! Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm glad the art therapy helped so quickly (aren't kids great??!!). :)

[angelbear]

Especially special needs kids. They dont ever really grow up completely makes the holidays so much more fun.

[KLS]

angelbear, I think this is a great thing. I am glad to hear it worked so well for your son. A friend of mine is finally going for her degree in education next year. She has been putting it off, but her love of children won out :) She is thrilled, I am so happy for her. She adores children and has an interest with special needs children. The point of my post is,

She has said several times, there should be more of this type of thing for ALL children, since some schools are even cutting art classes. She has decided to do, what I think is a great thing.

She is having an open house tonight in her new arts/crafts shop for all children. She told me that the classes are filling up so fast, she can hardly believe it. The need is great and not many hospitals do this type of thing, in my experience. Since she can't do this in a hospital she has opened a place where all children can come and enjoy this, and hopefully benefit from it. There is a w/c accessible entrance. She has hired someone to help her with the children that have special needs, since she has little experience in that area yet. I have some, limited, so will help with whatever I can. She has made classes around childrens schedules ie: trips to the doc, appts, testing etc. The tables can accomodate any size w/c, there are railings along the all the walls for those with an unsteady gait, due to illness, etc, the sinks and other important things are at a level for accesible by children (cold water only) I could go on and on.

This will also provide a little break for the parents/caretakers, as she won't require them to stay there while the children's do "their thing" :) She wishes she could reach more kids,esp, the hospitalized ones, but it is impossible without actually being in the hospital or facility, of course.

The place looks fantastic and I was there one evening helping her out when a few children and their parents/caretakers came to visit. They left so excited and these children can not wait to start :)

I am pro art therapy all the way, this idea of hers has already made children smile and that's what it's all about :) !!

[live4today, RN]

angelbear.......I'm so glad that your son benefited from art therapy! I totally support the program in any situation for children...adults too. I once knew a therapist whose degree was in art therapy, and thought that was so cool! One doesn't need to be a great artist to benefit from art therapy. It's definitely something that should be promoted as a profession more than it is. Thanks for sharing your story with us, and may your son keep smiling. May his memory of that rainbow always be with him. :kiss

[angelbear]

KLS tell your friend she is a jewel. I am sure many will benefit from her terrific and creative idea. She will be blessed beyond belief and so will the children. Kudos to her.