It can help children gain self awareness and awareness of the pressures they are subjected to and their perceptions about their bodies, and raise self-esteem and confidence. But it can be an extremely sensitive area and should not be entered into in a group situation unless there is a very supportive environment. The following activities are some examples of how an art therapy approach can be used to explore these issues. It can make us feel that we are not beautiful unless we look like them. Images are cut out of magazines and composed into new images.
Images can be bizarre or surreal as people like and worked on individually or collaboratively.
Finished images are put together, compared and discussed. Many young people see themselves in 'bits', focusing on features or body parts separately. Often they will have strong dislikes about aspects of their bodies. First 'map' 'Shut your eyes, sit comfortably and tune into your body. Let your awareness move to a part of your body you are comfortable with or feel good about.