Embracing Mental Health: The Transformative Power of Art Therapy

Art therapists create a ‘road map’ that allows young patients to navigate their medical journey.

At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, the art therapy program plays a pivotal role in promoting mental health and well-being for young patients. By merging the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression with clinical knowledge, art therapists empower patients to journey through their medical challenges. This creative process aids in managing chronic pain, regulating emotions, strengthening family connections, and creating meaningful legacies for those in palliative care.

For former patient Zoë, who was born with a rare, fast heart rhythm called junctional tachycardia and later developed cardiomyopathy—a disorder of the heart muscle—the art she created during the several-months stay in the hospital not only offered her therapeutic relief but also served as a lasting memento of her personal experience and milestone.

“I liked when my art therapist would come in and we could paint, draw, or do crafts. It helped get my mind off things, and it is fun to do these things,” says 13-year-old Zoë.

The role of art therapists

Hyun A Lee, MA, LMFT, ATR, is a registered art therapist, and Queenie Wong, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT, is a board-certified art therapist at Packard Children’s; they each describe their role as blending talk therapy and art intervention to support clinical goals. They use creative arts interventions, including visualization and patient-centered art-making, to help children navigate the complexities of their medical journeys, manage stress, explore their experiences, and promote overall well-being.

“I help them articulate feelings that might be hard for them to express in words,” explains Lee. “Each session is tailored to the patients’ developmental levels and unique needs, fostering growth and personal insight. I’ve observed that during art-making sessions, children often open up about their struggles during hospitalization and express feelings on their hesitance regarding certain medical decisions.”

Zoë’s mom, Melissa, says she saw the changes in her daughter when she was with her art therapist. “Zoë became comfortable with Hyun and shared her feelings with her. They built trust, and Zoë could be honest, maybe even sharing things she didn’t feel like telling her parents. They let her be a kid again—not a patient.”

According to Lee, what distinguishes their role as art therapists from other health care professionals, such as child life specialists, is their specialized emphasis on the treatment plan and the intentional use of art as a tool for healing.

“I conduct clinical assessments, establish specific therapeutic goals, and implement tailored interventions that empower patients to explore and address their emotional and psychological challenges through creative expression,” says Lee. “This focused approach not only facilitates self-discovery but also promotes emotional resilience within the context of their medical experiences, whether concerning surgery, treatment, or their future.”

Through activities like creating visual road maps of their medical journey or designing collages to celebrate achievements, art therapy helps children process their emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and reduce stress and anxiety.

“Zoë’s time with the therapists appealed to her, and it was time she could purely enjoy,” says Melissa. “It was time away from rounds, assessments, meds, and procedures.”

Patient-centered care

Art therapists offer a unique skill set that complements the hospital’s multidisciplinary approach, Wong says. They are trained to assess body language and visual communication, transcending verbal barriers. “We can work with children of different languages, hearing and visual impairments, and motor coordination challenges to support their overall coping at the hospital,” she explains.

Lee underscores the importance of personalized care in art therapy. “We tailor sessions to each child’s interests and preferences, ensuring that care aligns with their cultural backgrounds and family values.” 

This approach fosters trust and allows for a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s emotional, psychological, and social needs. Additionally, art therapists facilitate peer support among patients with similar diagnoses. These groups offer a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation.

Supporting families

Art therapists provide vital support to families during hospital stays. Wong explains that therapists check in with families to understand how each member is coping and invite them to participate in art therapy sessions. These sessions restore the parent or caregiver’s role as a secure figure, often diminished during times of medical stress.

“I think it is an asset for hospitals to have these programs,” says Melissa. “Having a creative outlet is healing and can bring a sense of peace in the midst of chaos.”

In end-of-life care, art therapy can offer a profound way to support families grappling with impending loss. “Art therapy facilitates active art making with the family,” says Wong. “Transitional objects can aid families in processing their experiences at the hospital and navigating their grief after their child passes away.”

One family expressed their wish that their baby wouldn’t feel lonely in heaven. They requested a painting incorporating the baby’s footprints, surrounded by their favorite cartoon characters. Another family, facing their child’s final moments, created a layered handprint artwork. This piece became a cherished memory, capturing the unity and the warmth of their child’s touch, embodying the essence of their last moments together.

Collaboration and long-term benefits

Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for effective patient care. Art therapists work closely with physical, occupational, and speech therapists, leveraging art to meet mutually beneficial goals. For instance, art therapists mount artwork displays in hallways to encourage patients to practice motor skills while enjoying their creations.

With the help of Lee, one long-term patient created a personalized T-shirt to wear on their discharge day at the hospital. The patient had been struggling to say goodbye to their medical team.  “To honor their own medical journey the patient had asked the cardiac care team to sign the shirt and wore it on their discharge day as a cherished keepsake. This gesture allowed the patient to express gratitude and stay connected with those who supported them,” she says.

The future of art therapy at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford involves expanding the program to include internships and practicum opportunities, fostering the next generation of therapists. Wong says that the field is ready for interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly in neuroscience, digital media, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. “By offering a creative outlet for young patients’ emotions and experiences, art therapy helps individuals find meaning, purpose, and joy, even amid their health challenges.”