Containment and Security: Constructing Houses and Environments with Children in Art Therapy

by Laura K. Tibando

The purpose of this study is to investigate themes of containment and security as reflected in constructed houses and environments by children in an art therapy group. It explores the value of the creative process of construction, how the house constructions symbolically provide containment for the children, and the importance of the group context for children in art therapy. This study looks at the significance of creating a secure base art container in the group context which allows for children to feel safe and develop trust, resulting in being able to appropriately communicate with each other and play.