IN FOCUS - ART-THERAPY WITH A HOSPITALIZED CHILD

Art therapy can help pediatric patients communicate their feelings abo ut being in the hospital and cope with their illness or injury. This c ase study of Alan, who was admitted to a pediatric unit with orthopedi c injuries, shows how the art therapy process helped him cope with his injury and subsequent 14-day hospitalization. Once Alan overcame his initial resistance to the art materials, he was able to use artwork as a communicative channel to express his feelings about being in the ho spital and away from his family, suffering from a painful injury. The anarchic, freeing quality of the art media lowered Alan's inhibitions and served as an outlet for his feelings. Termination was also discuss ed.