Art Therapy in Schools
Cerulean Space offers group and individual art therapy to primary and secondary schools, including both mainstream and special education schools.
In school settings, art therapy offers an engaging and non-intrusive way to help children foster wellbeing, build resilience, and plays a unique role in supporting students’ mental health.
Key Benefits of Art Therapy in Schools
Establish positive associations for children struggling with school
Support overwhelmed children to feel more regulated to learn and connect
Foster a sense of safety and stability for children living in volatile homes
Destigmatise therapy and mental health among students and parents
Increase equitable access to art therapy services
Reduce logistical planning efforts for busy parents
Young People’s Mental Wellbeing Matters
Children and young people’s mental wellbeing is becoming a global priority. The World Health Organisation estimated one in seven adolescents worldwide suffers from a mental health disorder.1 In Australia, approximately 13.9% of 4-17 year-olds were assessed as having mental disorders in the previous 12 months.2 Suicide is the leading cause of death for young people between the age of 5-17.3 Adult mental health issues often have an onset age prior to adolescence, which heightens the need for early intervention. Children mental health challenges can present as emotional, behavioural, and/or social difficulties.
Why Art Therapy in Schools?
Every child has the right to access education in an equitable, inclusive, and supported manner. Children experiencing social, emotional and regulation challenges may be constrained in their capacity to learn, grow, and socialise in schools. Art and creativity are natural and intuitive means of expression for many children. In particular, for students struggling with verbal communication, art therapy enables a non-verbal alternative. Through the creative process held within a safe and supported space by the art therapist, students cultivate critical skills such as perspective taking, problem solving, creative risk taking, while strengthening their confidence and sense of self.
Why Cerulean Space?
The Founder of Cerulean Space Kanling has experience delivering art therapy services in various school settings. Her approach to school-based art therapy is one that focuses on strengths, therapeutic alliance, and empowering students to cultivate agency and build resilience.
Cerulean Space strongly believes in Dr Ross Greene’s philosophy that “kids do well if they can” and we have personally witnessed students shifting from struggling to thriving with the support of art therapy. Further to applying a child-led approach, we recognise the importance of working within the system and context of the school community, and applies a collaborative interdisciplinary approach to work alongside other wellbeing and educational staff.
In line with Cerulean Space’s strategic focus on building communities and promoting the awareness of art therapy, we established and convene the Art Therapy in Schools Community of Practice, connecting school-based art therapists across Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific.
What does art therapy in school look like?
School-based art therapy is versatile and adaptable to meet the needs of the students and the context of the school community.
In line with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) Framework, art therapy can be implemented across each tier to support students as well as education staff. We have designed a series of Tier 1 and Tier 2 art therapy programs for schools. We can also customise art therapy programs based on the unique needs of the school or a particular student cohort.
| Tiers | Art Therapy Programs |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 – Universal support | Classroom-based art therapy informed programs to promote positive mental health, and foster connection and growth. |
| Tier 2 – Early Intervention Cohort Specific Support | Small group art therapy programs to support targeted goals and outcomes. Theme-based group art therapy programs or open studio art therapy. |
| Tier 3 – Individual / Targeted support | Intensive one-on-one art therapy support tailored to the therapeutic needs of the individual student. |
Single Session Art Therapy Workshops
Theme-based art therapy sessions designed to offer embodied experiences and promote students’ and teachers’ wellbeing. Popular programs include:
- Art therapy for mindfulness and wellbeing
- Exploring feelings through art
- Art therapy for creative expression
- Creative wellbeing for teachers
Multi-session Art Therapy Programs
Creative therapeutic programs designed to explore targeted topics and support participants to develop confidence, skills, and resilience through a scaffolded process. Popular programs include:
- Art therapy for emotional resilience
- Art therapy for friendship and peer relationships
- Exploring self-identity through art therapy
- Art therapy for high school transition
Open Studio Art Therapy
Open studio art therapy provides participants with choice, agency, and freedom for creative exploration and self-expression. Participants are able to set their own intention, engage in free art making without judgement, and experience a sense of collective creative energy while creating alongside others.
- 50 minutes to 2 hours
- Diverse range of art materials
- Suitable for lunchtimes
- One-off or recurring
Funding & Payment
Victoria Schools Mental Health Menu
The Victoria Government defines creative arts therapy as a mental health profession that “uses art, media dn creative approaches to help open explore feelings, improve self-awareness and reduce anxiety”.
Art therapy services provided by Registered ANZACATA Professional Members are funded under the Victoria Schools Mental Health Menu. Refer to https://www.schools.vic.gov.au/arts-therapy for more information.
Free Consultation
Whether you are a wellbeing staff looking to incorporate art therapy at your school, or a teacher seeking a creative and experiential way to complement existing curriculum, we are here to help. Book in a free virtual consultation with us and we can help to explore how art therapy may be leveraged to support your students’ and staff’s wellbeing.
Organisations We’ve Worked With
Click here to read what our customers say about our creative art therapies.
Refereces:
1 World Health Organisation https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
2 The Kids Research Institute Australia https://youngmindsmatter.thekids.org.au/our-research/prevalence-of-mental-disorders/
3 The Black Dog Institute https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research-areas/youth-mental-health/