Trauma: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

When trauma strikes, it feels like being trapped in darkness with no way out. Yet, like the Thai cave rescue, healing happens when we trust our wise self, our survivor self, and the support of others. Trauma, when faced with courage and compassion, becomes the gift that keeps on giving.

Our Founder and Executive Director, Sharon Burnett, PhD, was recently on the podcast, “Let the Journey Begin.” On it, she spoke about trauma.

Trauma as disruption without repair

On the podcast, Dr. Burnett shared a simple but profound definition of trauma: “Trauma is disruption without repair.”

Every human being has experienced moments when something broke apart — whether in relationships, safety, or trust — and no one was there to help mend it. This absence of repair leaves scars, but it also holds within it the possibility of healing.

The Thai cave rescue: A living metaphor

In 2018, the world watched as 12 young Thai boys and their soccer coach were trapped deep inside the Tham Luang cave after sudden flooding blocked their way out. For over two weeks, they lived in darkness, uncertainty, and fear. Rescue seemed impossible.
To bring them out, divers developed a daring plan. The boys, who didn’t even know how to swim, would need to dive through long, flooded passages to reach safety. One by one, each boy was fitted with diving gear and oxygen tanks. A diver swam in front, guiding him through the dark waters, while another diver followed close behind to make sure he was safe.
The rescuers told the boys, “All you have to do is breathe and trust.”
This image offers a profound metaphor for trauma healing. The diver in front is like our wise self — the part of us that can see the way forward and gently lead us through darkness. The diver behind is our survivor self — the part that makes sure we get there safely, even when fear threatens to overwhelm us. And we, like the boys, must learn to breathe, trust, and take the journey one step at a time.

The hidden gift within the pain

The “gift” of trauma isn’t in the suffering itself, but in what happens when we choose to confront it with courage, compassion, and support.

Trauma can teach us empathy. It can awaken a deeper capacity for love. It can remind us of our resilience and push us to build connections that bring true healing.

One of Dr. Burnett’s core beliefs is that we don’t heal in isolation. Just as the Thai boys needed an entire team of divers, doctors, and supporters, repair happens when others come alongside us. Healing requires community, compassion, and the reminder that we are not alone.

Trauma will always be part of our story, but it doesn’t have to define the ending. Each time we choose to face it, to speak it, and to move through it with support, we discover another gift: the ability to begin again. And that gift — of resilience, compassion, and transformation — is one that keeps unfolding throughout a lifetime.

Embarking on your journey

Where in your life do you feel like you’re still in the cave — trapped in darkness, waiting for a way out? What would it look like to trust your wise self to guide you forward, while allowing your survivor self to keep you safe? Sometimes, all you need to do is breathe, trust, and take the next step.

At West Valley Counseling Center, we believe healing begins in safe, supportive relationships. If you’re ready to begin your own journey of repair, resilience, and growth, reach out to us today.

What To Expect at Your First Therapy Appointment

If you’re about to get started with therapy for the first time, you’re probably wondering how it’s going to go. Will your first appointment be like your first visit with a new doctor, or will it feel more like a job interview or talking to a friend? How will you know if your therapist is a good fit for you?

Fear of the unknown keeps a lot of us from doing things we’re curious about. So that fear doesn’t keep you from your first appointment, we want to help clear up some of that uncertainty. Let’s walk through what usually happens at your first therapy appointment with our team here in the San Fernando Valley.

Introduction

The first part of your therapy appointment should be pretty easy. We have a waiting room where you can (ideally) relax beforehand. Once it’s time for your appointment, your therapist will come find you in the waiting area.

They’ll show you into their office and invite you to take a seat. We’ve designed our offices to be comfortable spaces. Feel free to adjust any pillows or anything else you need to feel good while you’re sitting there.

Once you’re settled, your therapist starts by introducing themselves. They won’t tell you personal details in their life (healthy boundaries are important in therapy), but they might tell you a little bit about their background in mental healthcare.

The bulk of your first therapy appointment isn’t about your therapist, though. It’s about you.

Learning more about you

Your first appointment functions as a sort of intake session. Your therapist wants to use this time to learn how they can potentially help you.

Therapists’ techniques and approaches differ, but almost all of them will ask the same question during a first appointment: What brings you to therapy? Be as honest as you feel comfortable here. The more you’re willing to share with your therapist, the better they can tailor a treatment plan to you.

To dig deeper into your reason for seeking out therapy, your new therapist will ask you about yourself. They might ask you to give them a brief autobiography, or to tell them about your dynamic with your family. They’ll usually ask if you have any experience with therapy in the past and, if so, what that’s been like.

The first therapy appointment is an exploratory session for both the therapist and you. By the end of your appointment, your therapist should provide you with a broad outline of what you two might work on together. In addition to talk therapy, for example, they might recommend options like art therapy or group sessions.

Finding the right therapist in the San Fernando Valley

By the end of your appointment, you should also have a sense for how you feel about that therapist. It usually takes a few sessions to build a rapport. But if you can tell right away that it’s not a fit, that’s totally fine. Get in touch with our intake coordinator (the person you initially spoke to in order to get started) and we can connect you with a different therapist.

Some people report that their first therapy appointment was easy and relatively surface level. Others go deep right away. If you leave that session feeling drained, know that that’s totally normal. Sharing about yourself — especially the more vulnerable parts of your life — can require a lot emotionally. We recommend holding some time after your first appointment for self-care just in case you need it.

If you come into your first appointment with a goal for therapy, our team is here to help you move toward it. That initial conversation with the first therapist you try might help you make progress. Or it might tell you more about what works for you and what doesn’t, and we can help you pivot accordingly.

If you haven’t scheduled your first therapy appointment yet but you want to, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team here in the San Fernando Valley is ready to help you get started.

In Person vs. Online: Should I Find Therapy Near Me?

find a therapist near me

If you’re ready to start seeing a therapist, you have options. Lots of different mental health professionals exist offering lots of different specialties. A simple internet search of “therapy near me” will turn up plenty of results in the San Fernando Valley. You’re not limited geographically, either. You also have the choice of seeing your therapist online.

Sitting in a room with someone can be helpful in certain situations, but virtual therapy offers some benefits. To help you find the right path for yourself and what you want to get out of therapy, let’s compare the pros and cons.

The pros and cons of virtual therapy

A lot of big companies now offer online therapy all over the country. That comes with some benefits, but there are also some drawbacks you should know about.

Pros:

Virtual therapy comes with two big upsides:

  • Convenience: With online therapy, you only need to carve an hour out of your day. You don’t need to account for any travel time to or from an office, and you can even take the call in your PJ bottoms if you feel more comfortable that way.  
  • Lots of choices: If you search “therapy near me,” you’ll turn up dozens of options. If you go the online route, though, you’ll have thousands of therapists from which to choose.

 

Cons:

There are some downsides of choosing online therapy. Those include:

  • More time in front of a computer: In our digital era, a lot of people have Zoom fatigue. Choosing virtual therapy means adding another hour of sitting in front of a screen. 
  • Less privacy at home: If your living situation makes it hard to get a quiet area alone, it can make therapy harder. You want to be able to fully open up during your sessions. That can be difficult if you’re worried someone might overhear or you’ve got a child who’s prone to barging in.
  • Less information for your therapist to use: Body language says a lot, and therapists are trained to read it. Since they only see the top part of you on a video call, they lose information. They might not see that you’re nervously fiddling with your hands, for example. In an in-person session, that might signal your therapist that it’s time to do some regulating activities, which can help make therapy more manageable.

 

The pros and cons of in-person therapy

Maybe you’ve thought, “Should I find therapy near me?” If that’s entered your mind, it’s a sign you would probably benefit from mental health support. Before you decide to pursue it in-person, weigh the pros and cons.

Pros:

The main benefits of in-person therapy include:

  • Easier connection with your therapist: When you’re only seeing your therapist digitally, it can take more time to build trust. In person, you get the benefit of being in the room together. They can read your nonverbal cues to see when you might need to slow things down and take a centering breath, for example. 
  • Access to physical tools: Your therapist might be able to offer resources to keep you more comfortable during your appointments. Doing something with your hands like playing with putty or a fidget toy might help you regulate as you do emotional work. And your therapist may already have these things on hand for you in their office.
  • Potential for cost flexibility: A lot of the online therapy companies have fixed fees. If you find an in-person therapist, they can often work with you to find a cost per session that works with your budget.
  • A safe, separated space: Therapy often feels raw or sensitive. When you do this work in your therapist’s office, you get the chance to leave it after your appointment. You can choose what you take home with you. If you do this work in your own house or apartment, it can be harder to get that separation from the emotions you faced during therapy.

 

Cons:

  • More schedule strain: Getting to and from your therapist’s office adds time on either side of your appointment. A lot of people say the drive/walk/bike ride can be helpful decompression time after their appointment, but if you’re really busy, those added minutes might be a challenge. 
  • Fewer options: While you’ll have hundreds of online therapists from which to choose, you’ll find fewer if you want to see someone close to you. Still, that “therapy near me” search should pull up plenty of choices.

 

How do I find therapy near me?

We can make this easy. At our office in Tarzana, we serve the San Fernando Valley and the surrounding area.

When you call our office, our intake coordinator gathers a bit of information from you. That allows us to pair you with a therapist who we think would be a good fit.

That said, you might not click with that person — that’s totally normal and okay. It takes a lot of people a few tries to find the right therapist for them. And we have multiple therapists you can explore with our team.

To get paired with a therapist here at West Valley Counseling Center, contact us.

Breaking the Silence: Destigmatizing Mental Health in the Military

In the high-stakes, high-performance world of military service, strength and resilience are virtues. But what happens when those expectations leave little room for vulnerability — especially when it comes to mental health?

For many servicemembers, the pressure to appear invincible can lead to a culture of silence. Emotional struggles are often hidden behind tight-lipped professionalism, and seeking help may feel like admitting defeat. But the truth is, mental health care is not a sign of weakness. It’s a strategy for long-term strength.

The reality of mental health challenges in the military

Dealing with a mental health challenge like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD often makes people feel alone. But the reality is: you’re not. More than a half-million active service members of the U.S. Armed Forces have a diagnosed mental health disorder.

The actual number of affected people is probably higher, too. One study found that 60% of military personnel dealing with a mental health difficulty don’t seek help. Why not? Leading reasons were “My unit leadership might treat me differently” and “I would be seen as weak.”

If that sounds familiar, let that be even more validation that you’re not alone in this. And taking care of your mental health doesn’t just benefit you. It positively impacts your family and friends.

If you’re still serving, it also matters for your unit. When mental health is neglected, it can impair judgment, performance, and cohesion. Supporting psychological wellbeing isn’t just compassionate. It’s critical to operational effectiveness.

Breaking the stigma: The first step

As with any destigmatization, the first step in breaking the stigma around mental health in the military is simply talking about it.

If you’ve been dealing with a mental health challenge yourself, consider finding someone close to you that you can talk to. If you don’t feel safe with anyone you currently know, that’s an excellent indicator you’d benefit from finding a therapist.

If you’re not living with a mental health condition, your role is just as important here. Be open. Listen. Ask questions to your friends who serve(d) with you, checking in on their mental wellness.

The more you talk about mental health, the more people will feel like they can share their own experience with it.

Finding military-backed and outside mental health support

Leaders within the Armed Forces are well aware that mental health challenges are prevalent among their organizations. That’s why they offer resources to help.

Within Military OneSource, you can request confidential counseling. You can also tap into the Military Family Life Counseling (MFLC) program to find options near you. There are more than 300 available counselors across California.

Alternatively, you might prefer to see a mental health pro outside of the military umbrella. If you’d rather keep your service and your mental healthcare separate, we have some tips to help you find a therapist.

By opening up dialogue, we can reshape how mental health is viewed in the military community. It starts with listening, sharing, and supporting each other so no one feels like they’re carrying the weight alone. And we’re here to help. If you want to find a therapist to come alongside you and help you care for your mental wellness, contact us.

Building Emotional Agility in Kids: Tips From a Child Therapist in Woodland Hills

Life can be overwhelming for kids and teens as LAUSD and other schools in the San Fernando Valley schools start back up in the fall. Between stress about school, sports, and extracurriculars and pressure from their peers, there’s usually a lot on their mind. Layer in growing bodies and changing hormone levels and it’s no surprise a lot of teens and kids are going through it.

If you’re a parent, teacher, or other key figure in a child’s life, you probably want to help. Teaching them about emotional agility gives you a way to do exactly that. Our team of child therapists serve Woodland Hills and the surrounding area. We’ve seen a lot of local parents, teachers, and other adults benefit from helping kids explore emotional agility.

Understanding emotional agility

Kids and teens often feel pressure to behave or perform in a certain way. That might lead them to ignore or push aside their emotions, particularly ones that are typically labeled “bad” like anger or jealousy.

Our child therapists often teach about emotional agility because it offers a different framework. With this mentality, we don’t label emotions as good or bad. Instead, we see them as information. When a teen or kid is experiencing an emotion, it’s their body and mind trying to tell them something.

Developed by psychologist Dr. Susan David, this approach invites kids and teens to look more closely at what they’re feeling — and learn from it. This often helps them better manage their feelings.

Four steps to help kids and teens practice emotional agility

Our team of child therapists in Woodland Hills often lays out the following four steps to help teens and kids explore emotional agility.

 

#1: Start by naming the emotion
Here, it might be helpful to teach kids the rhyme, “Name it to tame it.” Using an emotion chart or wheel can help them pinpoint what they’re feeling.

The key in this first step is to help the teen or child identify the emotion without attaching any judgment to it. Encourage them to be curious about what they’re feeling.

 

#2: Normalize the feeling
Remind the teen or child that all feelings are okay. The emotion is information, not an indicator of how they are as a person. Be with them to hold space for that emotion, no matter what it is.

 

#3: Pause
The emotion becomes information the teen or child can use when they learn to put space between feeling and reacting. They can take a breath or count to five, for example. This pause allows them to listen to what their body’s telling them as they experience the emotion.

 

#4: Align with their values
Don’t tell the child or teen how to react or respond. Instead, help them explore how they can make choices that align with their values even while they’re experiencing that emotion. If they want to be a good friend, that might mean deciding not to act on their anger.

It can be helpful to ask, “What kind of person do you want to be in this situation?”

Resources recommended our team of child therapists in Woodland Hills

The biggest tip we can give adults here is: model the emotional agility yourself. Talk with kids and teens about what you’re feeling and how you’re deciding to engage with that emotion based on your values.

Our child therapists in Woodland Hills also developed a list of resources that might be helpful:

Emotional agility doesn’t help kids stay happy all the time. Instead, it gives them a way to feel all of their feelings without labeling them as good or bad. By holding that space with a pause before they decide to act, this practice helps kids live freely and gives them a way to move forward based on their values.

This is only a brief overview, though. If you want to talk more about emotional agility and other tools to help the child or teen in your life, schedule some time with a child therapist in Woodland Hills. Our experienced, compassionate team is ready to come alongside you. Send us a message online or call us to get something scheduled.

Self-Care: What you need to know

Self-care is trending. But before you dismiss it with the heap of other pointless social media trends, consider what you need. Would your mind or body benefit from you putting time and energy into caring for yourself? If you often feel tired, anxious, stressed, or depressed, the answer is probably yes. So let’s take a closer look at self-care.

What is self-care?

Think of someone you love in your life. Now think about the ways you care for them. That could be making time for them, giving them words of encouragement, or getting them gifts. You probably actively care for all of the people in your life on a regular basis. But many of us don’t do the same for ourselves.

Self-care is the active investment of time and energy in (you guessed it!) caring for ourselves. It’s an act of acknowledging that our minds and bodies work hard and need some attention. This isn’t self-obsession or narcissism. It’s the recognition that rest and restoration are key, that having compassion for ourselves is important, and that we should show ourselves the same kindness we show others.

Why self-care is important.

But is self-care really necessary? Older generations never talked about self-care and they all turned out fine. But you could also argue that self-care was better built into daily life in a pre-digital age. Now, disconnecting is impossible unless you make a concerted effort. To combat the stressors of living the average American life in 2018, self-care matters. Here are a few reasons why.

It mitigates stress.

Mental health is in a critical state in our country. More Americans than ever report suffering from anxiety and depression. And a portion of that can be attributed to the fact that most of us feel stressed most of the time. Dedicating time to self-care – whether that means getting enough sleep, carving out time for an activity you enjoy, or meditating– helps you manage stressors and protect your mental wellbeing.

It supports mindfulness.

We live in a fast-moving, highly-connected world. It’s not uncommon to go through an entire day simply responding to the inputs in front of us. But when we climb into a bed after a day of simply trying to keep our heads above water, we often feel exhausted and unfulfilled. Taking time to slow down and practice self-care disconnects us from this go-go-go mentality so we can pause and mindfully enjoy the best moments in our lives.

You can’t pour from an empty cup.

When you’re burnt out, you don’t feel up to much. That includes being there for the people in your life and investing in your community. Think of it this way. If your energy levels are a cup, self-care is a way to refill it. And you’re only able to pour yourself into the people around you when your cup isn’t already drained.

Quick and easy ways to practice self-care.

Fortunately, there are some really easy ways to jump in with self-care today! Remember, this is just an act of taking care of yourself. So it’s really as simple as dedicating some time to doing what you feel like your body and mind need. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Get outside.

When was the last time you spent an hour in nature with no agenda? Head to the beach or your favorite hiking trail and enjoy. Spending time in the fresh air is good for you.

Drink a beverage.

Slowing down in our busy world is hard. Sure, all of us could probably benefit from an hour of meditation – but getting our minds corraled for that long feels very challenging. Instead, brew a cup of your favorite warm beverage. Find a comfy place to sit and enjoy your coffee or tea. Taking that time – even if it’s just ten minutes – to rest with your thoughts and find contentment could transform your whole day.

Sleep.

No, really. Practicing self-care can be as simple as getting some shut-eye. This is all about giving ourselves what we need. And if your body is telling you it needs rest, listen to it!

Journal.

There is power in learning to observe our thoughts and listen to our internal dialogue. Journaling can make that easier. If your brain has been feeling muddled, try pulling out pen and paper. The act of capturing your thoughts can help you unlock new potential and unload burdens.

Say no.

A big part of the reason all of us feel so stressed and tired is that we stretch ourselves to our full capacity. And, sure, it’s exciting to see what we can accomplish when we strive, but striving all day, every day isn’t healthy. One of the most powerful acts of self-care is saying no to things that would overextend you.

Talk to us.

Another great way to care for yourself is to make sure that you have the support you need. Our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center is here if you want to talk. To learn more about wellness and counseling services, get in touch.

Is Winter Wearing You Down?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a depression that occurs in fall or winter and does not end until spring or summer. There are many theories of what causes SAD, the largest being a Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can stem from a lack of sun exposure, as well as disruptions in sleeping and waking cycles. An important neurotransmitter or brain chemical, known as serotonin, is sensitive to light, and the absence of light can affect its potency and release, which may lead to depression. SAD is a form of clinical depression and can interfere with school, work, relationships, health, and more. The physical, emotional, and cognitive issues that accompany SAD can have long-term, negative effects when experienced without treatment. Simple chores and work tasks can seem insurmountable for those suffering with SAD, but luckily there are many options that can help alleviate this type of depression.
Here are some things you can do (please consult a licensed physician beforehand):

– Light-Therapy: shown to have very beneficial effects for patients with SAD. This therapy utilizes a light box that mimics the sun’s natural rays, typically around 2,500-10,000 Lux (amount of light intensity). Patients who sit in front of this box for at least half an hour a day can talk on the phone, read, or do anything while awake to achieve the optimum benefits

– Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: This has been shown to have the best long-term outcomes, and can also improve quality of life year round

– Antidepressants: please consult a licensed MD before taking antidepressants. A prescription medicine may help alleviate SAD but is recommended to be taken in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapy

– Exercise: Can seem incredibly daunting, but even a short walk around the neighborhood every day has been shown to have positive effects on mood and health. To stay accountable, try inviting a family member, friend, or neighbor to exercise with you. They will reap the benefits, too!

– Go outside every day: Try to get out as much as possible, and take advantage of sunny days by eating lunch outside, going on a hike, or doing something artistic, like painting or writing

– Create a healthy sleep routine: This is crucial. Set a consistent time to go to sleep at night and wake up each morning. Avoid television, computers, and carbohydrates before bed for best results

– Take up new hobbies: This is a great way to meet new people and break up the monotony of the winter months. Hobbies that include an aspect of social interaction, such as Book Clubs, Sports, or cooking classes, can also improve mood and increase happiness. For book clubs in your area, please refer to: http://www.readerscircle.org/

Above all, patients must be willing to work towards dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder in a productive and meaningful way.
For more information about Therapy or Counseling in the San Fernando Valley or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us (818) 758-9450 or email us info at info@westvalleycounseling.org
West Valley Counseling Center is located at 19634 Ventura Blvd. Suite 212 Tarzana, CA 91356

Disaster Mental Health

Recently, I had some experience with the effects of disaster during the Sonoma and Napa wildfires.  I wasn’t in Northern California at the time but family members, including my husband, were. Not only did I witness their reactions to the events, but I felt secondary distress before and after.

This is what I know:

 

When we are stressed our bodies react by releasing hormones and other chemicals that push us into fight or flight so that we have the energy to get away, or stand and fight the danger. Some people react differently; they might freeze, literally unable to move, or they might feel absolute calm during disaster – which doesn’t mean they won’t later feel the effects.

When the danger passed, people complained of feeling weak, sore or “beat up”, exhausted by the experience. They said they felt tired, needing more sleep than usual; others said they were  waking up hour after hour, tormented by anxiety or by flashbacks. Most of the people I know said they were “scattered” or unable to think straight. Many people shifted into high gear after the fires, remaining in a state of fight or flight for days. One relative who has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder noticed that her symptoms were more and more bothersome daily. Another friend who suffers from anxiety only got worse during and after the disaster, others with chronic illness such as depression found that their warning signs were much worse. The one who was completely calm began to have difficulty sleeping about ten days after the fires started. The experience intensified everything for everyone.

Meanwhile, at home in Los Angeles, I started losing things like keys, phone, appointment book, things I found after a frantic search, right where I had left them. I started over-worrying at the thought that I might be late, and couldn’t sleep more than four hours a night. And I wasn’t even there during the disaster.

Each of us react to disaster in different ways, and each of us recover from disaster in different ways. Recovering from disaster (or any other major stressor) does not happen overnight. People need caring and support, time, and encouragement to find their way but in most cases the body and brain need to be reminded to relax and heal. Deep breathing, picturing a calming place, playing with a pet may, listening to favorite music or guided relaxation meditation may help;  for some people prayer is calming, for others specific relaxation exercises may help (there are apps and information available online). Pick what works for you! Take good care of yourself!

Physical activity such as a brisk walk or other exercise activates deeper breathing and relieves muscle tension. Exercise helps the brain to move forward, no matter how you choose to do it. Activities such as coloring or other art projects, keep the mind moving forward, and support calm.  These types of activities can also provide distraction; a needed break from stress. Eat good, nutritious food, drink plenty of water, and try to spend time every day relaxing.

Finally, support from others can be a big part of recovering from disaster. Sometimes it helps to tell the story of what happened, sometimes it is too soon or too painful. Everyone is different!  Sometimes family and friends help the healing, and other times it may be important to find a mental health professional to support friends, family or yourself move through the process of recovery. Accept the help that is offered, it is meant with love and kindness!

If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation of any amount to support WVCC, please go to our website at westvalleycounseling.org, or you can mail a check directly to West Valley Counseling Center at 19634 Ventura Blvd Suite 212, Tarzana, CA 91356. The tax ID number is 27-2188918.

WVCC to open a new location in Ventura County

West Valley Counseling Center is excited to share with you our plans to open an additional office in Ventura County

In keeping with our mission of providing affordable, community-based therapeutic services at our new location in Ventura, CA., WVCC will model the same strong foundation that has allowed West Valley Counseling Center to make meaningful contributions to the community Our highly trained therapists at the Ventura location will provide compassionate mental health care in a private practice setting, all at a reasonable cost.
The Ventura office, scheduled to open September 1st is located at 5450 Ralston St, Ventura.Ca. Our grand opening is scheduled for Sunday, September 17. Check our website
(westvalleycounseling.org) for more details and updates.

On behalf of the staff at West Valley Counseling Centers, we thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Our goal is to help children, families, and adults receive the services they need to thrive. We look forward to walking side by side with you in that journey.

Art Therapy With Children and Teens

Art Therapy With Children and Teens:
Where Youth make social, emotional, and behavioral changes while having fun in the process.

Children love to make art; they are naturally creative and imaginative. As such, art therapy can be a more enjoyable and less threatening approach to treatment than traditional talk therapy. The art therapist will tailor art interventions, projects, and material choice to match the individual child’s unique preferences, needs, and goals. This means that art therapy will work differently for everyone. That being said, there are some overall concepts that can explain how art therapy works.

Art Therapy, Emotion Management, and Behavior Change
Sometimes it is difficult for children to find the words to accurately articulate what they are feeling. Without a way to express emotion, children might release painful or otherwise overwhelming feelings in inappropriate or unsafe ways. For example, anger might lead to aggression, sadness might lead to inattention at school, fear might lead to running away, etc. Expressing emotions in art allows children a cathartic release after which they feel a sense of ease. In this way children learn to use art as a coping skill to process emotions, so that they can feel empowered to show up in the world at their best.

Art Therapy, Stressful Life Events, and Trauma
Challenging life events such as divorce, death of a loved one, bullying, or trauma can impede a child’s capacity to function at their maximum potential. Some youth might feel intimidated or overwhelmed if asked to discuss these events directly. Addressing life challenges creatively and speaking through metaphor offers a level of distance from what might otherwise be overwhelming to address. Art making eases children into facing their challenges, beginning the process of acceptance and healing.

Art Therapy and Social Skills
Children and adolescents with poor social skills might be intimidated by verbal interaction, or else tend to play out socially inappropriate patterns when engaging verbally. To introduce artistic collaboration and creative team building exercises in an art therapy group is to utilize a language that all children enjoy and respond to. Since art is a fun language, one children haven’t developed inappropriate behavior patterns through, children can more effectively communicate and bond with their peers. Social skills concepts such as teamwork, reading social/emotional cues, listening, etc. are addressed as they arise in the group process to achieve learning through experience.

Art Therapy and Self Esteem
In art therapy youth are non-judgmentally heard and praised for any form of creation they make. The concept of “good” art does not exist, instead children are empowered to appreciate the uniqueness of their artistic voices. All children, regardless of artistic ability, learn to think of themselves as competent artists with something to say, which builds self-esteem and motivation.

For more information on how art therapy works feel free to contact Liat Alon, registered and board certified art therapist, at Liat@westvalleycounseling.org.