Siblings

Foster children in Montreal, like in many other urban areas, face a range of mental health challenges. Some of these challenges may include attachment disorders, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), behavioral issues, and a heightened sense of instability due to frequent placement changes. Traumatic experiences, such as neglect, abuse, or removal from their biological families, can contribute to these mental health challenges.

What are the Best Approaches to Therapy for Foster Children?

 The choice of therapy for foster children should be individualized to address their specific needs and challenges. Evidence suggests that trauma-focused therapies, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), are effective for addressing the trauma-related symptoms commonly observed in foster children. However, art therapy, play therapy, and other creative therapies can also play a valuable role in fostering self-expression and emotional healing.

What are the Mental Health Programs for Foster Children in Montreal?

To find specific mental health programs for foster children in Montreal, it is recommended to consult local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and mental health service providers. These programs may include counseling services, support groups, and therapeutic interventions tailored to the needs of foster children. Contacting organizations like Batshaw Youth and Family Centres or local health authorities can provide up-to-date information on available services.

Therapy services can also be found at private therapy centres in Montreal, where the services are provided by psychologists, art therapists, or social workers. While psychologists in Montreal can help with psychological evaluations and offering a psychological diagnosis when required, psychotherapy can be offered by psychotherapists and child therapy can be offered art therapists and play therapists in Montreal.

Indigenous children who are in foster care in Montreal can have art therapy services under Jordan Principal’s funding or see a psychologist who is registered for NIHB.

What are the Art Therapy Services for Indigenous Children in Foster Care in Montreal?

Art therapy services for  Indigenous children in foster care in Montreal should involve culturally sensitive and community-driven approaches. Collaborating with Indigenous organizations, elders, and community leaders is crucial to providing appropriate and accessible services. Art therapy programs should incorporate Indigenous cultural elements and when possible, traditional healing practices while respecting the child’s cultural identity and heritage.

With that in mind, art therapists who practice in Montreal or on the reserve often use a trauma-informed approach in their practice while maintaining a client-centered way of providing care. Story-telling, Mindfulness exercises, and Nature-based art therapy are also often used in an art therapy session.

What are the Signs a Foster Child Might Benefit from Art Therapy?

Art therapy can be beneficial for foster children who display signs of emotional distress, such as:

  1. a) Difficulty expressing their feelings verbally.
  2. b) Exhibiting behavioral problems, aggression or other risky behaviors
  3. c) Struggling with low self-esteem and self-worth.
  4. d) Experiencing symptoms of trauma, including nightmares or flashbacks.
  5. e) Difficulty forming attachments or trust with caregivers or peers.

Dyad art therapy sessions can help the child and the foster parents develop a positive relationship. Discuss the needs of having a dyad session with your art therapist. Moreover, art therapy is often requested by social workers when a child is to return to their biological family. Art therapy would be a safe and non-judgemental space for the child to process their feelings about this transition.

Read about our art therapists in Montreal and reach out to us if you are considering starting art therapy for your child or teenager. Email us at Admin@montrealarttherapy.com

 

Written by: Parmiss Khademi

Edited by:Reyhane Namdari