Creative Arts in Schools: The Hidden Power of Therapy in Educational Settings
Schools are places of learning, but learning is not only about reading, writing, and maths. Schools are also important spaces where children grow emotionally and socially. As awareness of children’s mental health increases, creative arts therapy is becoming a valuable and often overlooked form of support for pupils facing difficulties in their lives.
Using art materials, play, movement, and music, creative therapy in schools gives children ways to express thoughts and feelings that can be hard to put into words.
Why Creative Arts Therapy Belongs in Schools?
Children arrive at school carrying many emotions. Alongside excitement and curiosity, they may also feel worry, sadness, anger, or confusion. Some pupils are dealing with anxiety, loss, trauma, neurodiversity, or changes at home, all while trying to learn, follow routines, and build friendships.
Creative arts therapy offers a safe and supportive space within the school day where emotional wellbeing is given time and care. It is especially helpful for children who find talking difficult or who struggle to explain how they feel. Through drawing, play, storytelling, role play, or music, children can explore emotions, process experiences, and build healthier ways of coping.
What it looks like in Practice
Therapy sessions usually take place in a quiet room within the school, often called a therapy room or nurture space. Sessions are typically one to one and led by a trained therapist who uses creative activities to build trust and connection. There is no pressure to make something look a certain way or to explain it. What matters is the experience, not the final piece.
Over time, the steady and supportive relationship helps the child feel safe. This allows them to explore difficult feelings, develop a stronger sense of self, and feel more confident both emotionally and socially. Many children begin to cope better in the classroom and feel more able to engage with learning.
Creative arts therapy is not only for children with diagnoses or high levels of need. It can support a wide range of pupils, from those who are quiet and withdrawn to those who express distress through challenging behaviour. The work gently supports emotional regulation, confidence, and communication.
The Role of Schools
When schools include therapy as part of their wellbeing support, it sends a clear message that emotional health is just as important as academic progress. Having a therapist available also helps staff feel supported when working with pupils who have emotional or behavioural needs. Teachers are often the first to notice when something is not quite right, and having a clear referral route can make a real difference.
School based therapy also helps reduce stigma. Children learn that asking for help is normal and acceptable. Seeing therapy as a regular and supported part of school life encourages a healthier understanding of mental wellbeing.
Creative Therapy in Action: A Case Example
Lena was a Year 4 pupil who was referred for creative therapy after becoming increasingly withdrawn in class. Her teacher noticed that she often seemed upset, avoided working with others, and found changes in routine very hard. During therapy, Lena chose to use the sand tray, creating scenes with islands, storms, and bridges. Through this play, she was able to express feelings of loneliness and fear linked to her parents separating.
Over time, Lena became more settled and confident. She started taking part more in class and began rebuilding friendships with her peers.
Every child’s journey is different, but experiences like Lena’s are common. They show how creative therapy can help children express emotions, ease inner distress, and feel more able to engage at school.
Children today face increasing pressure to perform and fit in. Creative arts therapy offers something different. It provides space to slow down, feel safe, and simply be. It recognises that behaviour is a form of communication and that healing often happens through play, creativity, and trusted relationships rather than words alone.
By making room for creative therapy within schools, we support individual children and help build school communities that are more compassionate, resilient, and emotionally aware.