Turning ‘Yucky’ Feelings into Confidence
We all know what it feels like to have a “yucky day.” For kids, those feelings can show up as anger at a friend, jealousy of a sibling, or frustration when things don’t go their way. Left unchecked, those emotions can sometimes spill over into outbursts, meltdowns, or quiet withdrawal.
Emotions aren’t permanent, and kids can learn that for themselves. That’s one of the most powerful lessons art therapy can offer.
How Art Therapy Helps Kids Handle ‘Yucky’ Feelings
When I work with children, we often use creative expression to explore both the hard and the hopeful sides of their emotional world.
Naming the emotion. Sometimes words are too much. Through colours, shapes, or lines, kids can show how they feel.
Visualizing change. I help them imagine what the “opposite” feeling looks like — calm, joy, kindness — and then create that on the page.
Practicing resilience. By moving from one image to another, kids experience the reality that feelings shift. And if they can shift on paper, they can shift in real life, too.
Parents often tell me how amazed they are when their child realizes, “I don’t have to stay stuck in this feeling.” That moment of confidence ripples out into school, friendships, and home life.
Research from the American Art Therapy Association shows that art therapy can build emotional resilience, reduce stress, and give children healthy ways to express tough emotions.
Guidance for Parents
Sometimes parents aren’t sure if their child is ready for therapy — or they want to start with strategies at home first. That’s absolutely okay. Even small steps, like helping your child name their feeling (“Looks like you’re feeling frustrated”) and then giving them space to scribble, doodle, or move their body, can go a long way.
I also meet with parents who want to better understand their child’s emotional world. Together, we explore practical ways to respond to “yucky” moments without escalating the tension — building tools you can use daily, not just in session.
💡 Curious how art therapy could help your child? Or want to explore at-home strategies first? Reach out here to connect with me — I’d love to support you.
