The function of art therapy in self-knowledge, self esteem and interpersonal relationships in children with emotional disorders

During childhood, the non-verbal communication is extremely complex - mimicry, gesticulation, graphic gestures, color, motor skill, negativism or agitation can express various thoughts, feelings, frustrations and aspirations. Material and Method Art Therapy, as a non-directive method, aims to reestablish the individual's harmony in relation to himself and to others. The present study included 20 children and teenagers of both sexes and from different social backgrounds, with the basic diagnosis of emotional disorders. The techniques that we used were: drawing, modeling, painting, building-up with non-conventional materials, various multimedia techniques, animation. The subjects worked both individually, and in groups, as the multiple purposes were: the harmonization and the coordination of movements, the stimulation of initiatives, the development of imagination and creativity, as well as of interaction with others.