It is that time of year again when children (and parents) may be feeling anxious about going back to school. School can be for some children a terrifying place. Not knowing what is expected, seeing new faces, trying to “fit in” with their peers together with the pressures of school work can all add up to be a very stressful experience.  Anxiety is described as a state of uneasiness and apprehension and is experienced emotionally and physiologically.  Parents may feel the urge to go in and fix the “problem”. But sometimes just being present, available and providing a listening ear along with a big hug is all that the child needs.

Implementing art directives without the therapist having appropriate training in a therapy session has some risks involved. In directive art therapy, there is a tendency to uncover too rapidly powerful feelings that may be difficult to contain and understand by both the client and therapist. Knowing when to expose the client to the arousal and the rawness of the emotions is critical. It is risky to expose the client to intense emotional material or memories before the necessary preparatory work has been completed. Such negative reactions may include a psychotic break, or a need for hospitalization.

Those walking into Rapinder Kaur’s office in the Harmony Health Clinic for the first time might think they’ve accidentally stepped into an artist’s studio. After all it’s stocked with paintbrushes, paint, markers and playdough. That’s because, while she’s not an artist, those tools are central to Kaur’s work as a registered art therapist.