Building confidence can start with noticing, “I have an impact. I can make things happen.” Creating gives youth the chance to experience this again and again in small, meaningful moments—making choices, trying something new, seeing an idea come to life, or changing something when it doesn’t feel right. These little experiences can help youth recognize their own abilities and begin to trust themselves a little more.

Art therapy also offers a comfortable, supportive space to talk about confidence and self-esteem. Together, we can explore the things that may be getting in the way of feeling good about themselves and gently work toward building a stronger sense of self.

When emotions feel too big, it can be hard for youth to slow down, think clearly, or know what to do next. Art therapy offers a hands-on way to help the nervous system settle, using the calming, focused process of creating to help youth feel more grounded and present.

As they experience this shift, youth can learn to recognize what feeling calm and regulated feels like in their own bodies. Sessions can then build on this experience by teaching and practicing practical emotional regulation skills they can carry with them into stressful moments at home, at school, and in everyday life.

Sometimes it can be hard to explain anxiety when you’re right in the middle of it. Art gives youth another way to explore those big feelings—to put them on paper, look at them from the outside, and begin to understand what their anxiety is trying to tell them.

Through this process, youth can start to recognize that they are not their anxiety—they are simply experiencing a feeling that will eventually pass. With support and practice, they can learn ways to feel less out-of-control and find their way back to a sense of calm, safety, and control.

Making and keeping friendships is HARD! Especially as a teen. Friendships can play such a big role in how young people experience their teenage years, but knowing how to navigate them, build deeper connections, and figure out where you fit isn’t always easy.

Art therapy can give youth a creative way to slow down and look at their friendships from a different perspective. Creating visual representations of their relationships can help them explore how they currently connect with others, how they would like their friendships to look, and what skills they may want to keep developing to build stronger, healthier connections with their peers.