How Barnardo’s help bereaved children express their feelings through art therapy
Losing a parent would be distressing for anyone, at any age. But for young children, it can cause untold pain and trauma. They may not understand what has happened, or they might react with anger and frustration.
After the death of a parent, children often keep their true feelings locked away inside. It could be that they are struggling to accept their loss. Or they may be pretending to be fine, to avoid upsetting the adults around them. If their emotions remain hidden, children can stay trapped in sadness, unable to move on with their life or fulfil their potential.
Art therapy
Barnardo’s has 6 projects in the UK that work with bereaved children, including Orchard Mosaic which uses art therapy as a way to encourage them to express themselves. Art therapy can be a life-changing activity for bereaved children, allowing them to put on paper what they struggle to put into words. In sessions with their counsellor, children are sometimes asked to paint or draw what they are feeling. Or they are encouraged to experiment – the more random and expressive, the better!
During sessions at some of our projects, children can take part in role-playing games with their bereavement counsellor. The games involve making up narratives and pretending to be different characters. This creative activity enables children to feel that they have the power to control and change what is happening around them.
Our bereavement counsellors are trained to make children feel comfortable, and to react to whatever they want to do.
You can help us today to continue giving support to bereaved children across the UK by making a donation. Every £10 raised could go towards a bereavement session for a child who has lost a parent.
