The Art Circle: A Group Experience Using Arts-based Therapy with Children

Abstract

A rich and long-standing history of creative arts as an instrument for healing, growth, and self-expression, especially amongst children and youth, has been well-documented across time and cultures. Arts-based therapies within the mental health community have also garnered increasing support for positively contributing to the well-being of various groups and individuals. Therefore, this article further examines the use of arts-based therapy in an eight-session therapeutic group with children. Five children in the age range of 9–12 years met weekly for a course of two months at a child and adolescent mental health service in Delhi-NCR, India. Over the course of these 8 sessions, the individual and collective journey of the group members witnessed many ebbs and flows, eventually leading to a positive shift in the inter-group dynamics. In addition, various therapeutic gains were observed and reported for the group members, showing an increased sense of collaboration, confidence, and community.