Indigenous children and youth can benefit from art therapy as it is a non-threatening, non-verbal approach, in which clients are encouraged to describe themselves, their family dynamic, their interpersonal difficulties, their fears, worries, and anxiety through the lens of an artistic work. In an art therapy session, children can make sense out of unexpected life events such as sudden death of a loved one or parents’ separation with art and play. Moreover, self-image and body issues can be explored in a less intimidating manner, where clients will be given the opportunity to illustrate their issues rather than verbalizing them.
Finally, self-esteem and self-confidence, emotion regulation and task management skills will be improved with the individualized art therapy interventions.