By Noelle Camilleri, Art Psychotherapist
Adolescence is a time of intense change — physically, emotionally, and socially.
It’s the bridge between childhood and adulthood, where nothing feels certain, and everything feels magnified.
As an art therapist working with teenagers, I often meet young people at a time when they are quietly (or not-so-quietly) questioning who they are, how they fit in, and whether they are “good enough.” Through the safety and creativity of the art therapy space, they begin to explore the many versions of themselves — the parts they show, the parts they hide, and the parts they are still discovering.
What Teens Bring to Therapy
Teenagers I work with often come in feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck. Many are wrestling with:
- Low self-esteem or body image issues
- Questions around gender identity or sexuality
- Mood swings and emotional outbursts
- Social anxiety or changes in friendships
- Feelings of isolation, shame, or confusion
- Difficulty communicating with parents or teachers
- Sleep disturbances and irregular routines
These issues are not signs of failure or dysfunction — they are signs that a young person is growing, and trying to make sense of their world.
Why Art Therapy?
Words don’t always come easily, especially during adolescence. In art therapy, teens don’t have to explain everything verbally. They can:
- Draw how they feel
- Create characters that reflect their inner world
- Use colours, textures, and shapes to express moods
- Build visual metaphors for experiences that are hard to talk about
Through this creative process, a non-judgmental and respectful relationship begins to grow between the teen and therapist — a space where identity can safely unfold.
⚖️ Navigating the Big Transitions
Art therapy helps teenagers sit with the messiness of this developmental stage. Together, we explore:
Self-Esteem and Body Image
Hormonal changes can be disorienting. Acne, weight fluctuations, and new body shapes can make teens feel awkward or even ashamed. Art allows them to externalize these feelings, shift perspective, and — over time — begin to build compassion toward themselves.
Identity and Sexuality
Many teens are discovering their sexual or gender identities, sometimes in environments that feel unsafe or confusing. Art becomes a private language to explore and express identity without fear of judgment.
Social Changes and Boundaries
As peer relationships grow more complex, teens may feel pressure to “fit in,” hide parts of themselves, or navigate conflict. Art therapy helps them reflect on social dynamics and build stronger personal boundaries.
Emotional Regulation and Sleep
Mood swings and disrupted sleep often go hand in hand. The act of creating — slowly and mindfully — can be deeply regulating, helping teens manage overstimulation and anxiety.
From Dependence to Independence
One of the most powerful transformations that can happen in art therapy is the shift from external to internal guidance. Teens begin to realize:
“I can have my own opinions, likes, dislikes, and values — and they don’t need to match everyone else’s.”
Through consistent sessions, they build:
- A stronger sense of self
- More emotional resilience
- Greater confidence in their voice
- Tools to self-regulate and make choices
These are the foundations of young adulthood.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Teenagers are not “difficult” — they are in the middle of becoming. It takes courage to face all the unknowns, all the changes, and still ask:
Who am I?
Art therapy offers a space where that question can be explored gently, creatively, and safely. It’s not about fixing — it’s about witnessing, supporting, and helping them feel more at home in themselves.
Want to explore art therapy for your teen?
Whether your child is struggling or simply seeking a safe space to grow, art therapy can offer valuable support in this deeply personal journey.
noelle.arttherapy@gmail.com
www.arttherapymalta.com
sessions held at Gwardamangia, Paola or online