As a child therapist, I, Ashley Conley, LMSW, recognize that children often communicate their thoughts and emotions in ways beyond words. One of the most effective tools I use to connect with young clients is through crafting in therapy. Whether it’s building coping skills toolboxes, creating sensory bins, or engaging in art like painting, these activities make therapy both engaging and therapeutic.
Crafts serve as a natural bridge to help children express emotions they may find difficult to articulate. For example, a child may decorate their own coping toolbox filled with fidgets, coping skills lists, anger management tools, and grounding techniques that best suit their needs, making it a personalized resource they can use outside of therapy. Sensory bins, filled with textured objects, are not only fun but also therapeutic—they engage a child’s sense of touch, which can be grounding and calming, especially for those who experience anxiety or have sensory sensitivities.
Crafting also fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. By creating something with their hands, children see tangible results from their efforts, which can be empowering and reinforce feelings of competence. Activities like painting or collage-making allow for open expression, encouraging children to explore and process emotions like anger, sadness, or joy in a non-verbal and creative way.
Incorporating crafts into therapy sessions helps maintain a child’s engagement. Since therapy can feel intimidating or overwhelming, these activities create a relaxed environment where children can open up naturally. The hands-on approach makes the process less formal, and children often feel more at ease sharing their feelings while they’re busy crafting.
Crafting is more than just a fun distraction—it’s an integral part of the therapeutic process that helps children develop emotional regulation, coping strategies, and creative expression, all while making therapy feel accessible and enjoyable. Through these activities, I empower my young clients to take control of their emotions and build tools that will support them in their everyday lives.