Through Interactive Drawing Therapy (IDT)
By Masha Broadbent – Children’s Counsellor at Positive Mind Works, based in Paihia.
Anxiety is a natural response to life’s changes and something we all experience from time to time. For children, it might arise when starting a new school, moving to a new home, adjusting to changes in family dynamics, or even facing everyday routines that feel overwhelming.
While a little anxiety is normal, persistent struggles with mood, behaviour, or physical symptoms could be a sign your child needs additional support.
Common Signs of Anxiety in Children
🌟 Physical Symptoms
- Frequent stomach aches or headaches
These symptoms often have no apparent medical cause but signal internal distress. - Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or fatigue
An anxious mind can make it hard for tamariki to relax and rest. - Shallow breathing, chest tightness, or a racing heart
Signs that the body is stuck in a fight-or-flight state. - Muscle tension or sweating under stress
Anxiety often lives in the body, even when children can’t explain what they feel.
🌀 Behavioural symptoms
- Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
Anxiety can build up and make even small tasks feel unmanageable. - Avoiding school or social situations
Children may resist going to school or avoid socialising due to anxiety. - Becoming unusually clingy or dependent
They may seek more comfort and reassurance from parents or caregivers. - Tantrums, irritability, or emotional outbursts
Anxiety can overload a child’s emotional regulation systems, resulting in intense reactions. - Excessive worrying or catastrophising
Children might overthink situations, expecting the worst to happen. - Trouble concentrating on schoolwork or play
Worrying thoughts can distract them from tasks or activities they typically enjoy.
😢Emotional and Social Symptoms
- Tearfulness or sudden sadness
Mood changes can seem to come out of nowhere, leaving your child feeling down or overwhelmed. - Fear of separation from parents
Saying goodbye can evoke feelings of clinginess, distress, or even panic. - Perfectionism or fear of making mistakes
Some children try to manage their anxiety by aiming to “get it right” every time. - Withdrawing from peers or activities
They may stop doing things they used to enjoy or avoid social interaction. - Low self-esteem or self-doubt
Anxiety can lead to thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “I can’t do it.”
How IDT Can Help
Interactive Drawing Therapy (IDT) is a gentle and creative therapeutic approach that uses drawing as a tool to help children express what they might not yet have words for. In a safe, supportive space, children are invited to create drawings and reflect on them with a trained therapist. This process can unlock hidden emotions, encourage self-awareness, and help them regulate complicated feelings like anxiety or sadness.
Some of the benefits of IDT include:
Non-verbal expression: For children who struggle to express their feelings verbally, drawing becomes their voice.
🧠 Self-exploration: Through images and symbols, children often reveal emotions or thoughts they didn’t even realise they were holding onto.
💖 Emotional regulation: The physical act of drawing helps soothe the nervous system, offering a calming outlet during emotional storms.
🛑 Safe processing: IDT creates a secure environment where children can explore even the most difficult feelings, such as fear, sadness, or trauma, at their own pace.
A Safe Space for Tamariki
My name is Masha Broadbent, and I work with children aged five and up, offering counselling sessions that incorporate IDT as a powerful tool for healing and growth. I’m based in Paihia, and I work at the Positive Mind Works office located next to the Third Wheel Cafe. I’m passionate about helping tamariki find their voice, build emotional resilience, and feel empowered on their journey.
If you notice signs of anxiety in your child, please know you’re not alone, and support is available. Together, we can create a space where your child feels heard, supported, and understood.
Where you can find me:
Positive Mind Works
R4/88 Marsden Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand
Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I tell if my child's anxiety is serious?
Mild anxiety is a normal part of growing up, but if your child’s fears are persistent, overwhelming, or interfere with daily life—such as refusing school, avoiding friends, having constant physical symptoms like stomach aches, or struggling with sleep—it may be time to seek professional support.
What causes anxiety in young children?
Anxiety in children can be triggered by many factors, including major life changes (like moving house or starting school), family stress, genetic predisposition, or traumatic events. Sometimes, even everyday routines can feel overwhelming for young minds still developing emotional resilience.
What should I do if my child refuses to talk about their feelings?
Stay calm, patient, and available. Children often open up when they feel safe and not pressured. Gentle activities like drawing, storytelling, or quiet play can help them express emotions indirectly. Seeking help from a trained child therapist can also provide a supportive space for them to communicate at their own pace.
How long does it take to see results with IDT?
Every child is different, but many begin showing improvements after just a few sessions of Interactive Drawing Therapy. Some children may need longer to build trust and explore their feelings. Progress depends on their comfort level, the complexity of their emotions, and consistency in attending sessions.
What ages is IDT suitable for?
Interactive Drawing Therapy is suitable for children as young as five years old, right through adolescence. It’s particularly helpful for kids who struggle to express themselves verbally, as it allows them to communicate thoughts and feelings in a non-threatening, creative way.
