Confluences

At the Hospital, an art therapist conducts artistic workshops to promote the personal expression and creativity of the young patients frequenting the daily psychiatric services 7 hours per day, as well as the hospital school. Artistic activities include the use of pencils, crayons, water colors, clay and other sculptural and pictorial materials to promote the expression of emotion, increase self-esteem, defuse aggressive behavior and assist in the definition of each child’s individuality within the group. Artistic expression also helps then to define their individuality within the group and enables them to share emotions and experiences with peers and therapists.

The workshop takes place once a week for 2,5 hours..Activities begin with individual expression in art and end with a group period defined by the participants as “the melee”, which foresees involvement in a group project. Individual artistic activities are also provided for epileptic children and youth with more serious problems who are unable to participate in group activities.Art therapy is supervised by a psychologist with experience in art therapy and is integrated in the general care of these minors via constant exchange and dialogue with other members of the medical team.