About Art Therapy

about art therapy

Watch the video for a brief explanation of art therapy.

What is art therapy?
Art therapy uses the creative process to improve a person's well-being by offering an opportunity to explore feelings and challenges visually. We can bring form to what was previously unseen and create a "bird's eye" perspective of our inner world.
It is different from "making art" or doing an "art activity". The presence and support from a trained art therapist make the art process therapeutic. Reflecting on the art process alongside an art therapist, clients can gain insight, increase self-awareness, decrease symptoms and create the life change they are seeking.

Art therapy can be helpful for people experiencing a variety of challenges and for those seeking personal development. You do NOT have to be an artist to do art therapy. It is appropriate for ALL ages and artistic abilities.

"Often the hands will solve a mystery the intellect has struggled with in vain."
~CG Jung

How can art therapy help?
HEAL
Art therapy can offer an opportunity to focus on art and distract from intrusive thoughts which can help to manage chronic pain or anxiety. It also encourages self care and enables us to look at and release that which we may need to let go.

RELAX
Art therapy helps to relieve stress and anxiety offering a cathartic process or an opportunity to practice mindfulness which can enhance coping skills and promote relaxation.

REVEAL
Creative expression and bringing form to previously unseen emotions and experiences can allow us to explore our inner world in a new way and enable ah-ha moments and increased self awareness to come in the non-threatening way.

RESTORE
The process of creating art offers can increase happiness, build self esteem, promote a positive self-identity and increase personal fulfillment.

Why does art therapy work?
Art therapy works because it enables you to express your challenges and feelings differently than solely talking about them. I often hear from clients "how do I explain this" or "I can't find the words". When words can't express it, art can.
And even when you can find the words, our intellect is quite good at keeping old patterns and beliefs intact (sometimes especially the ones that keep us stuck). Art can bypass conscious limitations and defenses, enabling insights and ah-ha moments to come in a non-threatening way.
Through engaging in the creative process you can gain insight on the issues you are struggling with and access resources within yourself to find healing. Art therapy can help you create the positive change you wish to bring to your life.

What is an art therapy session like?
Check in - a typical art therapy session begins with a brief conversation about what concerns you may be experiencing that day or are actively working on in therapy.
Art making - the main part of the session consists of an art-making activity appropriate for your therapeutic process.
Discussion - the end of the session allows for time to discuss your art-making experience to increase understanding and awareness revealed through the creative process.

Examples of art therapy