Pediatric cancer is a distressing diagnosis that impacts children’s mental and emotional well-being as well as their physical health. As they manage the complexity of therapy and the uncertainties of the future, many young cancer patients endure anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. While medical treatments are necessary, complementary therapies such as art therapy can assist in meeting these psychological demands and promoting healing and coping.

Art therapy is a style of psychotherapy that utilizes the creative process of art-making to promote self-expression, emotional exploration, and healing. Artist Nisansala Karunaratne Rajapaksa, leads art therapy sessions with pediatric cancer patients at Apeksha Hospitals every month to heal these beautiful souls.

Nisansala interacts with the child to determine which art supplies are suitable for the project in mind and to create a setting that is comfortable and encouraging. The child is encouraged to make art that portrays their experiences, feelings, and opinions on a personal level. The artwork that was created as a result can be used as a way to help encourage conversations and reflection with the child regarding their experiences and feelings.