Group with children, and the use of artistic-expressive resources: a qualitative study

Abstract

The use of artistic-expressive resources, very present in the children's universe, facilitates access to unconscious contents and promotes an environment conducive to the expression and elaboration of feelings, and can be considered an instrument for intervention with children. The objective was to investigate the use of these resources in a therapeutic group held in a Psychology school service, linked to work that aimed at expressing and understanding emotions. In this qualitative research in Clinical Psychology were taken initial and final interviews with those responsible for the children, in addition to eight weekly meetings in one-hour sessions, mediated by children's stories that discussed identity, family and emotions, followed by expressive activities. The results indicate that the use of artistic-expressive resources enabled the expression of emotions, elaboration of experiences and improved communication, in addition to promoting improvements in family and interpersonal relationships. This strategy is therefore considered to be a relevant way of intervention in Psychology school services, given its potential in promoting children's mental health.