Emily was referred to New Life Counselling for Art Therapy after her mother took her own life.

Emily’s mummy had suffered from depression for many years and this had meant that Emily had had to look after her little brother and be helpful around the house. She was 8 years old when she was referred. Emily tried hard not to upset her mummy and often this meant she didn’t complain when she was upset or when she had homework to do. When Emily’s mum died she still felt that it was wrong to let anyone know that she felt sad and told everyone that she was fine. 

Thankfully Emily had a teacher who saw that she could not concentrate on her school work and that she had lost interest in her friends and asked if she would like to talk to somebody from New Life Counselling. 

When Emily first came for art therapy she was worried that she would have to talk lots and since she had spent so long trying not to tell how she really felt she knew this would be difficult. Art Therapy meant that Emily could find another way to share her feelings through creativity and even though some of her pictures made her cry she found that some days she even had fun. 

Emily came to Art Therapy for six months and learnt that it was ok to feel sad about the loss of her mummy and that she did not have to be afraid to tell others how she felt. She was able to make a big memory box to put all her special memories and photos into. She also learnt that being silly and being playful was an important part of growing up and that sometimes we might need help to be playful again.