"It is in playing and only in playing that the individual child or adult is able to be creative and to use the whole personality, and it is only in being creative that the individual discovers the self."
- Donald Winnicott
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Art Sessions for Emotional Wellbeing for Children and Teens
Who This Work Is For
This work may be supportive for your child if they:
Find it hard to put feelings into words
Feel easily overwhelmed or emotionally “full”
Have experienced change, loss, or disruption
Appear withdrawn, anxious, or unsure how to express themselves
Carry big feelings more in their body than through language
Respond well to creativity, movement, or hands-on exploration
Art-based sessions offer a gentle, non-verbal pathway for children to explore emotions, build regulation, and develop a stronger sense of self — at a pace their nervous system can hold.
This work is especially suited to children who benefit from being met with patience, curiosity, and respect for their individual rhythm.
❋ Grounded in ExperienceThis work is shaped by over a decade of supporting children through art in schools and creative settings, with a strong therapeutic focus and deep respect for each child’s pace.
❋ Art with Therapeutic FocusSessions use art not as an activity to complete, but as a gentle support for emotional wellbeing — helping children and teens express, regulate, and make sense of feelings safely.
❋ Play as a PathwayPlay, imagination, and creativity are welcomed here.
These are natural ways children explore their inner world, build resilience, and reconnect with a sense of ease and aliveness.
❋ Child-led and SafeEach session is child-led, flexible, and trauma-informed.
Nothing is forced.
The focus is always on helping your child feel safe, grounded, and understood.
A place for your child and teen to express big feelings safely.
Helping emotions move through in a way that feels grounding, supportive, and manageable.
This work is informed by over a decade of supporting children through art in schools and community settings.
Schools and organisations include:
Scoil Chaitríona Junior, Renmore (Artist in Residence 2012-2024) · Scoil Chaitríona Senior, Renmore (facilitating art for emotional wellbeing since 2016) · Holy Trinity Primary School, Mervue · St. Joseph’s Special School, Galway · Claddagh National School, Galway · Coláiste Naomh Eoin, Inishmaan (Aran Islands) · Gort Community School · St. Joseph’s Patrician College (The Bish), Galway · Kilneeneen National School, Co. Galway · Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Breandán, Annaghdown · Merlin Woods Primary School · Scoil Iósaif Naofa, Oranmore
Workshop partnerships include:
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children · ESCI – Galway Education Centre · RTÉ and St. Joseph’s Special School (2023, cyanotype workshop with children with disabilities) · Creative Schools · Creative Clusters · TAP+ (Teacher Artist Partnership+) · BLAST (Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers) · Cruinniú na nÓg · Samhail Collective - Baboró (2022) · July Provision Camps at Scoil Chaitríona (2023–2025)
What sessions are like
Sessions are shaped around your child, not a set agenda.
Some children talk. Others don’t.
Some draw, move, build, or simply sit and notice.
Through art, your child may begin to see their inner world reflected back: a colour, a shape, a moment that feels seen.
There often is a quiet shift that comes with being understood without having to explain.
There can be moments of expression.
Relief.
Joy!
Nothing is pushed.
Nothing is interpreted too quickly.
We move slowly enough for your child to feel safe, mirrored, and met exactly as they are.
