The plight of the preteen population often gets overshadowed by the demands of younger children and/or those already drifting into the dramas of adolescence and adulthood. It’s understandable. It is a brief window of time where childhood biologically ends and adolescence begins. I won’t pretend to know what it’s like for boys when it comes to changing bodies and molding into societal expectations. But I can certainly attest, with extensive knowledge and personal experience, to how equally thrilling and frightening it can be for a young girl to suddenly become a young woman.
Coping with change as a preteen
For many, this is a very private time. We may go from being wild and carefree children to suddenly panicking about the way we look or how we present ourselves to the world. We may suddenly decide “cooties” is not a medical term as we feel our hormones racing through our growing bodies. Suddenly, we may feel absolutely certain the world would end if we were rejected by our friends and peers.
From a social-developmental lens, all this is absolutely normal. The trouble is we forget what it’s like to relate to preteens as we get older, considering how brief but traumatic the experience can be. Parents often feel helpless when their preteen is slamming doors, screaming, or shutting down in opposition.
That alone can be overwhelming enough. But going through this sensitive time, along with other major life events or changes (such as shifting environments, family conflicts, etc.), can leave parents and preteens at a loss for coping strategies.
The benefits of art therapy for preteens
So what can help? A dedicated safe space where creative expression is encouraged by way of art therapy. This can translate to a nightly visual journal, a group therapy setting, or a one-on-one session with a trained art therapist.
Art therapy engages the senses in a way that appeals to a preteen’s natural increase of imagination and need for integration during this transitional period of development. With the use of different art materials and guided directives, preteens can creatively express their feelings, exploring healthier alternative ways to cope during difficult moments and ultimately learning to overcome them.
Getting started with art therapy
Want to check it out? Or do you have a preteen you think might benefit from art therapy? If so, we have a weekly event for you.
The art therapy group will be running Wednesday evenings from 4:30 to 6 pm at our sister campus, West Valley Counseling Center (19634 Ventura Blvd, Suite 212 in Tarzana). Each session costs $50.
An intake consultation is required to get you or your preteen set up to attend our weekly art therapy. To get started, call, email, or text us at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center. Alternately, you can contact Cecilia Polkinhorn, our art therapist, directly at cecilia@westvalleycounseling.org.
