A Practice-Led Handbook of Art Therapy with Children and Young People

The current mental health crisis is leaving rapidly increasing numbers of children and young people in need of urgent therapeutic support. Amid the pressures of an increasingly complex and uncertain world, the need for effective and accessible mental health interventions has never been greater.

Advances in neuroscience, trauma research, and neurodivergence-informed practice show the unique power of art therapy to intervene successfully with a range of mental health issues including developmental trauma and to support emotional regulation.

This timely and comprehensive guide to contemporary practice combines theory, clinical insights, and practical tools. Curated by leading clinician Mary Rose Brady, it offers a framework for safe, effective work. Each chapter shares reflections from experienced practitioners, case materials, and adaptable art therapy activities, alongside legislative and contextual guidance. Together, these resources equip therapists with information to respond with confidence to the evolving needs of children and young people