ART THERAPY AS MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION FOR CHILDREN

Introduction and objetctive: The contemporary world instigated by new technologies is resulting in changes in our perceptions and thus in society. This fact predisposes rising fears and mental conflicts, especially in children. The Carl G. and Maurice Merleau-Ponty grounded work reflects this today, concerned about being in its totality psychological, cultural and social make art a therapeutic experience, where the child can deal with their social and personal skills. Objective to allow therapeutic experiences in art therapy that prevents mental health of children as a tool for social rehabilitation. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study, applied to a group of 27 children 09-10 years in the State public school from Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2013. Registration and understanding through camera, recordings of interviews and reports. The artistic techniques and materials were varied in accordance with the engagement established with each child. Ethical aspects were respected. Results and conclusions: Relations with perception and space were key concepts to art therapeutic activities collaborating on their cognitive and affective connection. The expansion of the concept of expressive therapies using techniques and materials collaborated with the externalization of being symbolic. The process developed led the union and the group's trust, helping the children to share their fears, anxieties and stored feelings and position themselves positively in front of their conflicts. The therapeutic art activities experienced by the children enabled the significance of the symbols preventing and promoting mental health.