Children with cancer have emotional needs that require just as much attention as their physical needs. Young cancer patients experience fear, anxiety, depression and other emotions associated with serious chronic illnesses. Some medical facilities offer art therapy programs for children with cancer that provides these children with a creative outlet for their emotions.
History
Art therapy developed as a profession in the 1940s, when psychiatrists developed an interest in the artwork created by their mentally ill patients. Educators also played a role in the development of the art therapy field by realizing that children expressed their feelings and cognitive growth in their artwork. As the 20th century progressed, hospitals, rehab centers and other medical facilities started art therapy programs for their patients.
Significance
Art therapy offers a way for children with cancer to express their feelings in a safe environment. The American Cancer Society indicates that art therapy allows cancer patients to increase self-awareness, come to terms with the emotional aspects of having cancer and express concerns about their illnesses. Art therapists base their activities on the theory that creativity has healing effects on people with serious illnesses and emotional problems.
Types
Art therapy involves traditional art methods, such as drawing and painting, as well as drama, poetry writing, dance, expressive movement and photo therapy. During an art therapy session, the therapist provides the tools needed to produce painting and other types of artwork. A therapist might encourage a child with cancer to draw a picture of her body. This allows the child to deal with feelings about her illness without having to talk about them openly.
Benefits
Art therapy helps children with cancer express their feelings and also relieves some of the symptoms of cancer. In a study published in the February 2006 issue of "Journal of Pain and Symptom Management," lead investigator Nancy Nainis allowed participants with cancer to create artwork using finger paint, clay, feathers, felt, beads, sketch pads, sequins, yarn and other materials. Nainis compared the pain and other symptoms of each participant before and after the art therapy experience. Using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, study investigators determined that statistically significant reductions occurred in eight of the nine symptoms experienced by participants. These symptoms included pain, depression and anxiety.
Considerations
Before enrolling your child in an art therapy program, discuss the possible benefits with a member of his cancer care team. While art therapy has several benefits for children with cancer, this type of therapy brings up serious feelings. If your child has surgery or chemotherapy scheduled, his oncologist may recommend postponing art therapy until after the treatment.
