Art is a holistic channel for physical, emotional and psychological expression that has grown increasingly popular for use with chronic medical patients — including kids in cancer treatment.
What Is Art Therapy?
Art or creative therapy is a term used to describe various art forms used to manage stress, psychological challenges, and pain or discomfort. Art therapy uses diverse art forms and techniques tailored to the patient depending on their interests and available resources. Activities in art therapy sessions can include:
- Painting and drawing
- Sculpting and playing with dough
- Crafts, such as sewing or beading
Professional art therapists specialize in reading into the child's responses to get insight into their mental, physical and emotional well-being. They're trained to identify the best techniques for each child and interpret metaphors, body language and symbols.
Enlisting an art therapist is one way to approach art therapy with pediatric cancer patients. Caregivers and parents can also use art activities to connect with and support their children.
Benefits of Art Therapy for Cancer Patients
Art therapy has various advantages for children with cancer. Multiple studies have noted its positive impact on physical, emotional and mental wellness.
Psychological Benefits
Living with cancer can understandably impact children's psychological well-being. Art therapy and creative techniques can offer a valuable way for pediatric cancer patients to cope with their illness and manage feelings of stress, anxiety, fear and depression.
Through open, free and creative expression, children can also engage their imaginations and do something that excites them. Since they don’t need to have any skills to participate and can take part as they wish, these therapies can also boost their self-confidence.
Emotional Benefits
Kids may have difficulty understanding what their condition means and how it makes them feel, especially if diagnosed at a young age. Art therapy provides a nonverbal way for them to express and work through emotions.
Physical Benefits
Children in cancer treatment may not be able to participate in sports or taxing physical activities. Art therapy can offer a gentle yet exciting way to engage them. Art activities can also offer a distraction from physical symptoms and potentially reduce pain or discomfort.
The psychological benefits of art therapy can also have positive physical effects. Anxiety and stress, for example, may lead to symptoms like headaches and stomach agitation. By managing mental wellness, art therapy can help to alleviate the related physical challenges.
Discover the Power of Art
Learn more about how care providers use art therapy or discover how you can support our fundraising work at Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. Let's be Partners In The Fight™.