Never underestimate the magic and power of creating a cardboard Pirate Ship!
Recently I had an image pop up in my social media feed to remind me of work I had embarked on with a young client many years ago. I had been facilitating the process of a ‘Pirate Ship Project’ with one of my young clients who had difficulty with managing emotions and expression leading to much difficulty at school.
As I wrote in the original post “This creative process has provided the vehicle for his confidence-growth; strategic-thinking and conversation skills. Although Art Therapy is about the process and not so much an art outcome, this Pirate Ship will provide it’s young maker with a ‘safe place’ when complete as well as all the benefits of its journey towards completion provides!”
Now, four years on and the maker of this ‘Pirate Ship Project’ is completing a carpentry apprenticeship ! I could not be prouder of this young man! It has been an honour working with him through set backs and trials for him to find a pathway towards his dream – to be a Carpenter !
Art Therapy has been key in this young man’s journey. Art Therapy does not teach him building skills. Instead it provides a creative process we both engage in to create a safe space to explore. In this safe space he together with myself as companion can tackle difficult conversations, be curious about what lies beneath an issue, or simply just make meaning of his life.
To find out more about how Art Therapy has been received by clients, follow the link to TESTIMONIALS here and to answer questions you may have about what a typical Art Therapy session may look like follow the link to FAQs here