Art and play are often the languages that children use to express themselves authentically – images serve to express more than they are able to communicate verbally, and toys and puppets within play become the tools for self-expression. Utilizing art therapy as an intervention for children matches these languages, and allows for the unique needs of each child to be met.
The child client is the leader of the therapy space, where for each 50 minute session, he or she chooses the avenue for expression, be it art materials, toys, a game, or combination. By working in this client-centred way, I have the opportunity to meet and accept the child exactly where he or she is, and work to develop a feeling of safety, unconditional acceptance, and trust. For a child, who often does not have a great sense of control in her or his world, the therapy space becomes one of empowerment, safety, and playful expression. Establishing this therapeutic relationship and safety, allows for vulnerable emotions and experiences to be expressed, and for healing to happen.
Aligning with parents of child clients is important in helping to extend the therapy work beyond the therapy time and space. Parent meetings are scheduled approximately every 4-5 sessions to discuss goals, progress, strategies for home and school, and are an opportunity for parents to update the therapist on changes happening in the client's world. These meetings are 50 minutes in length.
If you feel that psychotherapy or art therapy may be a positive fit for your child, please contact me for more information and to share about your child. I look forward to connecting with you.
Weathering the Storm: A Virtual Workshop for Parents/Guardians Supporting their Small People with Big Worries
Thursday, February 25, 2021 - 7:00 - 8:30pm
Facilitated by: Jazmine Tufford-Singh
Registered Psychotherapist, Registered Art Therapist, Canadian Certified Counsellor
This pandemic has meant that so much has been taken from us, and that we have little control of what is happening in our worlds. We have been forced to adapt to constant change, often without the reassurance of when we will return to some sort of “normal.”
When we think about how these adult-sized stressors have impacted the children in our lives, simply put: we have asked SO much of our small people in this last year.
For kids that struggled with anxiety prior to the pandemic, this has likely heightened it. For those who did not struggle, you might be witnessing some newer signs that are certainly expected given the stresses of today’s world.
If you are feeling as though you could use some additional guidance and new perspective on how to support your child during this anxious, stressful time, this virtual workshop might be a positive fit for you.
The goals for this virtual, psychoeducational workshop are for you as a parent/guardian/teacher to:
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Learn new ways to respond to your child’s experience of anxiety that allows your child to feel seen, heard, safe, and secure
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Explore practical steps to take when approaching anxious moments
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Discuss examples to gain a deeper understanding of how to put these steps into practice
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Connect more deeply with your child’s experience of anxiety, and reflect on your own experience, to ultimately foster more confidence in supporting your child in times of worry