Resources

Every child brings a story into therapy — a story written by their family, their culture, and their experiences.
When therapy honors those stories, healing goes deeper.

In expressive arts therapy, children often create from what feels meaningful to them: colors, textures, songs, foods, or traditions that remind them of home. For one of my young clients, Maya, her breakthrough came when she created a vibrant collage of her family tree. She filled it with bright fabrics, golden leaves, and braids of yarn to honor her abuela’s cooking and her aunt’s hair-braiding rituals. As she showed it to me, she said, “This is the magic that lives in my family.”

That moment changed everything. Her art became a reflection of belonging — a reminder that her culture, her emotions, and her identity were all part of one living garden.
She no longer saw her mixed Black and Mexican heritage as confusing, but as a strength — a place of roots, rhythm, and color.

🌸 Why Cultural Expression Matters in Therapy

• It affirms a child’s sense of identity and pride

• It strengthens connection to family and heritage

• It transforms shame or confusion into self-acceptance

• It invites emotional healing through storytelling and creativity

When children see their identity reflected and celebrated in therapy, they begin to trust the process — and themselves.
They learn that their emotions, like their culture, are rich, layered, and worthy of care.

In the Emotion Garden, we remind children that every part of who they are deserves sunlight.

By Dr. Tam, The Children’s Brain Doctor