09/08/2025
🏺🎨Using clay in therapy can be surprisingly powerful — it’s not just “arts and crafts,” it’s a multi-sensory, flexible tool that supports emotional, cognitive, and social growth.
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1. Emotional expression & regulation
• Non-verbal communication: Young people who struggle to articulate feelings can “show” them in the clay without having to find the perfect words.
• Safe release of emotions: Kneading, rolling, or shaping clay can help release tension, anger, or anxiety in a controlled way.
• Mindfulness effect: The tactile, repetitive movements can promote calmness and help ground them in the present moment.
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2. Sensory regulation & grounding
• Tactile stimulation: Clay engages the sense of touch, helping regulate sensory processing (especially useful for neurodivergent children).
• Soothing pressure: The resistance of clay provides proprioceptive feedback, which can be calming and help with self-regulation.
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3. Creativity & identity building
• Freedom to explore: Clay can become anything — from abstract shapes to meaningful symbols — encouraging imagination and self-discovery.
• Personal narratives: Creations can represent parts of their life story, hopes, fears, or strengths, allowing for gentle exploration of personal themes.
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4. Problem-solving & resilience
• Trial and error: If a piece breaks or collapses, the young person can rebuild it, which models persistence and adaptability.
• Decision-making: Choosing shapes, textures, and designs builds confidence in their own choices.
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5. Social connection
• Shared activity: In group settings, working with clay can foster cooperation, conversation, and peer support.
• Show and tell: Presenting their creations to others can boost self-esteem and pride.
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6. Therapy process benefits
• Metaphor work: Clay objects can act as metaphors for feelings, relationships, or challenges, making abstract concepts more tangible.
• Projective tool: What they make can give insights into their inner world, helping therapists gently explore sensitive issues.
