Explaining and educating

The therapist may chose to share information or knowledge with child, the carer or the system.

The therapist may explain about

• the art materials

• the process of dyadic art therapy

• the impact of trauma and past events on the child

The art materials

Some people who are starting dyadic art therapy might feel some anxiety about the art materials.

Adults may be unfamiliar with the materials or worried about whether the child is using them appropriately.

Therapists may explain to parents and carers that the responsibility for ensuring materials are used appropriately will lie with the therapist.

The process of dyadic art therapy

It may be helpful for the therapist to explain aspects of dyadic art therapy to the children, parents and carers and sometimes people in the wider system.

Further information

• Discussions with parents and carers

• Discussions with the wider system

Unpacking past events and the impact on the child

Along with the parent or carer, the therapist may chose to explain to the child about significant past events which have had an impact on the child.

For a child in care, this might involve helping the child to understand why they were been removed from their birth family and filling in any gaps in knowledge or understanding relating to their life narrative.

The therapist may also offer aspects of psycho-education, talking to the child, the parent or carer and sometimes other key adults in the system about the psychological, behavioural and physiological impacts of trauma.

The therapist is aiming to help them understand underlying drivers and to normalise the child’s experiences and behaviour.

Related goal

This step is related to achieving the goals developing skills and dealing with events.