A Drawing Instead of Words
Children’s drawings are a unique window into their inner world—one that they often cannot or do not want to express in words. The lines, colors, and images they choose reveal their deepest emotions and concerns. When this world is filled with pain and fear, dark and heavy imagery appears on paper. But when there is room for joy and love, it is immediately noticeable—bright colors, happy scenes, and cheerful stories reflect inner harmony.
For many children, psychological support groups become a safe space where they can, for the first time, speak about their pain. However, some of them are not yet ready to speak or cannot find the right words. In such cases, drawing becomes their voice. Through their art, children express what troubles them, helping psychologists understand their experiences.
Many of these drawings are heartbreaking: tanks, shelling, destroyed homes, wounded people. Fear, pain, and loss are embedded in these images. When children pick up pencils, they transfer their inner anxiety onto paper. This process is crucial, as it marks the first step toward healing.
“During one session, a boy drew a house split into two. He explained that it was his home, destroyed by shelling. Another girl used only black color, saying that this was how her city looked after the explosions. Each drawing carries the imprint of their experiences,” share the trainers.
The Path to Light Through Colors
Therapy sessions create an environment where children gradually open up—not only about their pain but also about what gives them hope. Over time, dark colors are replaced with brighter ones. The sun, flowers, and smiles begin to appear on paper. This does not mean that the child has forgotten the pain, but rather that they are learning to live with it and move forward.
Drawings are tiny stories of war and peace, anxiety and recovery. They speak louder than words, showing not only what a child has been through but also what they aspire to. These images reveal not just the pain of war, but also the resilience of a child’s soul—one that searches for light even in the darkest times.
Why This Matters
Drawing in “Children and War. Teaching Recovery Techniques” therapy groups is not just about creativity; it is a therapeutic tool that helps children overcome fears and find the strength to heal. It is crucial for children to have a safe space where they can express their emotions, even if it takes time.
Each drawing is another step toward healing the wounds of war. Though the journey is long, support, care, and attention to a child’s inner world can lay the foundation for their new future.
