The Art of Therapy in The Treatment of ADHD

By Holly Oberacker, Navigating ADHD

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, The History of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, well-known artists including Dali, Van Gogh, and Picasso exhibited behaviors which today would be consistent with ADHD.

It is estimated today that approximately 5 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD.  Treatment for ADHD can include support groups, family therapy, medication, and more.

While these artist’s paintings hang on walls in museums across the world, the legacy they left behind is one of hope, and an alternative and creative approach to traditional treatment for ADHD with the goal to help others create and live a healthier and more fulfilling life.

In our practice, we use art daily with clients of all ages.  The benefits of using art in coaching and therapy sessions are countless. We find that art is a nonthreatening way to address something that maybe be uncomfortable to talk about, and it is a way to foster engagement.  Engagement is key in the treatment of ADHD, as it stimulates the brain and helps to boost memory. Also, another benefit is that art is boundless.  Art accesses the imagination, has no boundaries and elicits self-expression. Everyone can define art how they want and according to their own perspective – there are no hard and fast rules, or right or wrong.

Art can be used with coaching and at home.  We encourage families to use art at home as a launching pad in the treatment of ADHD to facilitate conversation and address sensitive topics. In our ADHD ARTGuides^TM we provide themed activities for building strategies in all areas.  They are aimed at emotional expression and help to address ADHD symptoms.  It is a fun way for children and parents to engage.

If a child does not like art, it may be that the approach needs to be simplified.  Show them that their drawing does not have to be perfect.  It is how he or she molds, shapes and sees the clay or canvas!

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