
Healing Through Creativity
Building Resilience Through Joy
At By The Way Community Development, we believe every child deserves a safe space to heal, express, and grow. Our Art & Play Therapy Program is a trauma-informed initiative designed to support children and youth impacted by domestic violence, substance use, or other forms of trauma.
Through guided art-making, creative play, and structured therapeutic activities, children begin to process difficult experiences, build self-awareness, and gain lasting emotional resilience.
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This program is free to families and made possible by generous support from the Harris County Early Childhood Resiliency Fund.
What We Offer
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Creative Art Sessions
Painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media activities that let children explore emotions through creativity. -
Therapeutic Play Sessions
Guided, age-appropriate play to support emotional release, communication skills, and self-confidence. -
Group & Individual Support
Small group sessions led by trained facilitators, with one-on-one time provided as needed. -
Culturally Relevant Activities
Projects that reflect the unique identity and history of our communities, including heritage-based storytelling and hands-on craft experiences. -
Convenient, Community-Based Sessions
All sessions are hosted in trusted spaces within each participant’s neighborhood—whether a local school, community center, shelter, or family-friendly host site. We bring services to where families already are.


Who Is This Program For?
Why Art & Play?
Children communicate through action, expression, and imagination. Art and play therapy offer powerful outlets for releasing difficult emotions, practicing coping skills, and discovering personal strength—all in safe, age-appropriate ways.
This free program serves children and youth (ages 1–18) across Harris County who have been affected by domestic violence, trauma, or household instability. Families can self-enroll, or children may be referred by parents, schools, shelters, or care providers. No insurance or formal diagnosis is required.

