We work with children ages 3–12 to process big emotions and find their footing through play-based, creative arts therapy in a space designed entirely around how kids actually communicate.
Children communicate through play and creativity long before they can articulate what's happening inside. Art therapy for kids uses drawing, painting, movement, music, storytelling, and play as the primary tools for healing and growth. No words required. No pressure to explain.
We welcome children as young as age 3 at our Salem and Beverly studios. Parent consultation sessions are an important part of how we work, which keeps caregivers informed and involved is central to the effectiveness of your child's treatment.
It often looks like exploring:
Children arrive at The Artful Life for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes there's a clear diagnosis. Sometimes parents just know something is off and can't quite name it. Either way, our child therapists are trained to meet kids exactly where they are, with patience, creativity, and genuine warmth.
Our child therapists are trained in Expressive Arts Therapy, Play Therapy, and Sandplay Therapy. These are approaches built around how children actually think, feel, and develop — not adult frameworks applied to smaller people. Sessions look different for every child. Some are more art-based, some more play-based, some a mix of both. Your child's therapist follows their lead, always.
We work with children navigating:
Progress in child therapy can look quieter than adult therapy. Early sessions often focus entirely on building trust and safety — which is by design. Connection and consistency are what create real change over time.
It's also worth knowing that sometimes it's not just the child who needs support. If you find yourself wondering whether you could use someone to talk to as well, our Parent Support Sessions offer caregivers a space to process, get coaching, and feel less alone in it.
Founded in 2016 by Natalie and Madelene, The Artful Life is the North Shore's only Expressive Arts Therapy group practice of its kind. What started as a single studio has expanded into two locations in Beverly and Salem, MA, with a full team of masters-level licensed therapists serving clients of all ages.
Our studios are a welcoming, fully inclusive environment where every child is met with warmth and without judgment. Parents are kept informed and involved throughout the process in a way that supports, rather than disrupts, the work happening in sessions.
Our work is guided by four core beliefs:
We welcome children as young as age 3. Our youngest clients work with therapists who specialize in early childhood development and use play-based approaches designed specifically for that stage.
This is exactly why art therapy tends to work so well for kids. Children don't need to talk about their feelings directly. They process through play, creativity, and movement. Your child's therapist works with what your child brings to the session, not what you wish they'd say.
Yes. Parent involvement is an important part of the process. Your child's therapist will communicate with you regularly in a way that keeps you informed while protecting the safe space your child needs to do their work.
Trust that instinct. You don't need a diagnosis or a clear explanation to reach out. Our team will help you figure out whether therapy is the right fit. And sometimes, the most useful first step is a Parent Support Session — a space for you to get support, perspective, and practical tools as a caregiver.
Yes, we accept insurance from a range of providers including Aetna, WellSense, Carelon, Point32 Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare/Optum. See our full, up-to-date coverage list here.
We have two full-service locations, plus a boutique studio on the North Shore of Massachusetts.
You know your child best. If something feels off, that's reason enough to reach out.