Art as Therapy: How Occupational Therapy Supports Emotional Regulation in Phnom Penh

Children may not always have the words to express how they feel—but they can paint it. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, occupational therapy includes creative and sensory-based activities like painting and drawing to support emotional regulation, fine motor skills, and expressive communication.

For children who experience difficulty managing emotions, staying calm in groups, or expressing themselves verbally, art becomes more than a pastime—it becomes a pathway to healing and growth.

The Link Between Art and Emotional Development

When children create art, they engage in:

• Sensory exploration that calms the nervous system

• Motor planning and control that builds focus

• Decision-making and problem-solving

• Self-expression when words may be difficult

These elements help children process emotions, reduce stress, and build emotional vocabulary.

Children with ADHD, autism, trauma histories, or anxiety may particularly benefit from art-based occupational therapy.

Occupational Therapy Meets Creative Expression

At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, our therapists use art to:

• Support sensory regulation through texture, color, and repetition

• Build fine motor strength through painting, coloring, and cutting

• Encourage task completion and attention in a relaxed setting

• Promote self-esteem by creating and achieving goals

We customize each session to match the child’s needs, whether the focus is on calming, communication, or confidence-building.

Why Emotion-Focused Activities Matter

Children who struggle with behavior or regulation often don’t need more rules—they need tools. Art offers a healthy outlet that allows kids to:

• Release big emotions without verbal pressure

• Identify how they feel using colors or imagery

• Develop coping strategies they can use at school or home

Therapists also guide caregivers on how to support these strategies outside therapy using art supplies, breathing techniques, and safe sensory tools.

Help Your Child Express, Regulate, and Grow

If your child experiences meltdowns, anxiety, or has trouble managing emotions, occupational therapy with an art-based approach may be the right step. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we combine creativity with clinical insight to help every child feel safe, seen, and empowered.

Learn more about our occupational therapy services and how emotional expression through art can support your child’s well-being.