Drawing on the Spirit: Embracing Spirituality in Pediatrics and Pediatric Art Therapy

Abstract

Addressing religious and spiritual issues in therapeutic settings has become increasingly common in many areas of health care. One area that has lagged in this regard is pediatric medicine. There is a prevalent myth that children are not capable of cognitively grasping spiritual or religious ideas and concepts. Furthermore, spirituality has often been disregarded as an active variable in treatment and therapeutic relationships. This article explores the role of children's religious and spiritual beliefs in pediatric medicine and healing. Cultural variables, methods for addressing religious and spiritual concerns in treatment, and the importance of the therapist's own religious and spiritual sensitivity are explored.