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Abstract
Art therapy can be a powerful tool to facilitate the emotional expression of children with cancer and their healthy siblings. The author has developed three structured art therapy techniques: (1) the mandala (color-feeling wheel), (2) the change-in-family drawing, and (3) the "scariest" drawing. A letter-writing technique also is discussed. The structured aspect of these methods allows the therapist to ask highly focused questions and to interpret the drawings within the context of the individual child's reality. The techniques can be adapted for individuals ranging from 3 year olds to adults and can be used in individual, family, or group psychotherapy. He also refrained from drawing, fearing all the things the eloquence of a sketch might give away. After having drawn the portrait . . . he had been terrified by the truth to life of his efforts and had wisely torn up his first works.