At Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, Art Therapy is backed by research and supported by Four Diamonds, to act as a powerful healing tool that provides children, families and care teams with creative outlets and emotional support during the pediatric cancer journey.
Art therapy is a clinically guided process where children use visual arts (drawing, painting, collage, clay, etc.) to explore thoughts, emotions and experiences that are often difficult to express verbally. Trained art therapists use these creative activities to help children process stress, cope with treatment and foster resilience.
Unlike simple “arts & crafts,” art therapy is grounded in psychological theory and therapeutic technique. The therapist may prompt imagery, metaphor or narrative, interpret visual elements gently and adapt prompts to each child’s developmental level and energy.
Art therapy helps not only the patients, but also siblings, parents and caregivers, by providing a shared creative space to process fears, connect and express what words sometimes cannot.
The art therapy program at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital is offered to pediatric cancer patients at no cost thanks to the support of Four Diamonds.
Art therapy is an evidenced-based researched resource that helps children and adolescents with cancer process emotions, reduce stress and build resilience. Studies show that art therapy significantly improves psychological outcomes, including anxiety, depression and quality of life especially during challenging phases of treatment.
Through creative expression such as painting, drawing and sculpting, children are able to safely explore their feelings and reduce isolation in a nonverbal, developmentally appropriate way. Penn State Health Children’s Hospital incorporates art therapy as part of its integrative care model, offering sessions to patients, siblings and families to support emotional well-being and promote healing through connection and creativity.
Experts also emphasize that creative interventions can improve a child’s sense of autonomy, confidence and control, which is especially important in a hospital environment where many decisions are out of their hands.
Meet the ExpertAlexis is a registered and board-certified art therapist who leads the art therapy services within Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. She holds a Master’s in Art Therapy and Counseling, and is trained to adapt interventions to different ages and clinical needs. Alexis is passionate about helping children turn what’s inside into creative expression, and she often says she finds hope in every stroke of color.
With your support, we can provide the materials, space and creative guidance that transforms a blank page into a lifeline of hope.
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