Noah joined Little Nests after experiencing domestic abuse at home. By the time they were referred, they had become increasingly withdrawn, anxious and were using self-harm to cope with overwhelming emotions.
During the first session, Noah appeared constantly alert to everything happening around them. Every sound outside the room caught their attention, and they repeatedly asked permission before touching art materials or moving around the space.
Creating artwork quickly became a way of communicating experiences that felt too difficult to describe.
Through body mapping activities, Noah explored where anxiety was held within their body and began understanding why everyday situations often felt overwhelming. Using paint, colour and texture, they expressed emotions including fear, anger and sadness, describing some activities as helping them feel “free.”
As the weeks passed, Noah became more comfortable within the group. They formed positive relationships with other children, confidently shared materials and increasingly trusted that the therapy room was a safe place to be themselves.
By the end of the programme, Noah no longer reacted to every noise outside the room or felt the need to ask permission before making creative choices.
For the first time in a long time, they felt safe enough simply to create.
Although the experiences they had lived through could not be changed, Noah left Little Nests with a greater understanding of their emotions, improved confidence and new ways of expressing themselves through creativity.