By Lia Spencer
A fun new course to help kids suffering from anxiety is being offered in Beaconsfield.
Art and Soul uses art as a way of exploring emotional responses and thinking that can lead to depression, anxiety and loneliness. Originally aimed at adults, the course was designed to explore different topics including Identity, Core Beliefs, Guilt and Shame, Holistic Health, Loss and Grief. It is followed by a 90-minute art lesson built around the particular topic and finished with further personal discussion in small groups.
After running Art and Soul for adults at Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre for about eight years, Michelle Sanders decided to implement a course to help kids who are also suffering from depression and anxiety.
“Recently my granddaughter had a panic attack at school, and it highlighted how debilitating anxiety can be for kids, so I decided to put together a four-week course together to help kids understand their anxiety and strategies to manage it.”
Each session begins with a children’s story, a teaching session around issues of anxiety, a painting session and finishes with a facilitated discussion between the child and their parent. Ms Sanders said a strategy was drawn up for the kids to assist them when they struggle with anxiety.
“It is not a cure, but will work on giving them coping strategies,” she said.
Both of these courses will be run in Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre, O’Neil Road, Beaconsfield, in the first term.
Art and Soul for Depression and Anxiety is held Thursday evenings. Art and Soul for kids with anxiety will begin on 8 March from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. The course costs $150 which includes everything, canvases each week, paints brushes, paint and tuition. You can contact Michelle on 0414 983 771 or email michelle.kscope@hotmail.com
