common questions
Why do people consider art therapy?
People often consider art therapy under the following circumstances:
How can art therapy help?
There are a number of benefits from participating in art therapy:
People often consider art therapy under the following circumstances:
- For issues such as: depression, anxiety, trauma, bereavement, stress management, and relationship challenges
- Life stressors and/or emotional difficulties make it hard to function from day to day
- Feeling stuck in unhealthy life patterns
- Seeking a greater awareness of self and personal growth
- Unexpected changes and life transitions
How can art therapy help?
There are a number of benefits from participating in art therapy:
- Receiving support with managing challenges
- Hearing a fresh perspective on a difficult problem
- Improved self-confidence and self-awareness
- Increased coping and problem-solving skills
- Identifying and breaking unhealthy patterns and developing healthier ones
- Improved communication skills - learning how to listen to others, and have others listen to you
- Developing skills to improve your relationships
- Improved overall well-being by increased emotional and psychological health
What is the art therapy process like?
The therapeutic process is a rewarding yet sometimes challenging experience. It can even be a bit scary; especially, if entering therapy for the first time. My job as a professional art therapist is to help you feel as comfortable and safe as possible so that our work together can provide you with positive results. The first few sessions are about introductions. I will inquire about you, review necessary paperwork and ask you to share what brings you to therapy and any goals you may have.
Beyond the first couple of sessions, counseling is a process. At times, the process will seem to move slowly, at other times it may move more quickly. Change takes time and is not necessarily a linear path. You and I can discuss the pace of your therapy at any time to ensure it is one you are comfortable with and is meeting your needs. Challenges may present themselves along the way. I will partner with you and offer support in meeting these challenges and other obstacles you may experience during your journey toward creating the positive transformation you wish to achieve.
The therapeutic process is a rewarding yet sometimes challenging experience. It can even be a bit scary; especially, if entering therapy for the first time. My job as a professional art therapist is to help you feel as comfortable and safe as possible so that our work together can provide you with positive results. The first few sessions are about introductions. I will inquire about you, review necessary paperwork and ask you to share what brings you to therapy and any goals you may have.
Beyond the first couple of sessions, counseling is a process. At times, the process will seem to move slowly, at other times it may move more quickly. Change takes time and is not necessarily a linear path. You and I can discuss the pace of your therapy at any time to ensure it is one you are comfortable with and is meeting your needs. Challenges may present themselves along the way. I will partner with you and offer support in meeting these challenges and other obstacles you may experience during your journey toward creating the positive transformation you wish to achieve.
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What can I expect from an art therapy session?
Art therapy sessions are a little different than traditional talk therapy sessions. They include talking, art making, and discussion related to the art and your therapeutic goals. At times during counseling, you may receive “homework” such as reading a relevant book or keeping track of a behavior pattern to assist you in achieving your goals. To receive the most benefit from therapy, you will need to be an active participant, both in and outside of the art therapy sessions. |
How frequently should I see my art therapist?
How frequently you have art therapy depends on you and your needs. Usually weekly sessions are best. But some people who are in crisis need more than one session per week, while others find having sessions every other week works best. In between sessions, it can be beneficial to reflect upon what you experienced and discussed during therapy.
How can I gain the most from art therapy?
Art therapy can assist you in managing life stressors, attaining personal goals and making positive changes. The benefits you obtain from art therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. As you begin art therapy, it is helpful to establish clear goals with your therapist. Perhaps you want to improve your relationship, overcome feelings of depression, or gain greater self-awareness. Having clear goals can help you and I create the change you wish to experience. Please keep in mind that certain tasks require more time to accomplish than others. The pace of art therapy will be dictated by what is most beneficial to your needs and particular situation.
Art therapy can cause a wide range of emotions. It can be challenging to explore difficult feelings and experiences. Sometimes people may feel therapy is actually making things worse. When this happens, it can be a positive sign indicating that you are starting to look at the thoughts and behaviors causing you discomfort. Once you know what is causing you discomfort, you can work with your art therapist toward creating the positive change you wish to bring to your life.
How frequently you have art therapy depends on you and your needs. Usually weekly sessions are best. But some people who are in crisis need more than one session per week, while others find having sessions every other week works best. In between sessions, it can be beneficial to reflect upon what you experienced and discussed during therapy.
How can I gain the most from art therapy?
Art therapy can assist you in managing life stressors, attaining personal goals and making positive changes. The benefits you obtain from art therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. As you begin art therapy, it is helpful to establish clear goals with your therapist. Perhaps you want to improve your relationship, overcome feelings of depression, or gain greater self-awareness. Having clear goals can help you and I create the change you wish to experience. Please keep in mind that certain tasks require more time to accomplish than others. The pace of art therapy will be dictated by what is most beneficial to your needs and particular situation.
Art therapy can cause a wide range of emotions. It can be challenging to explore difficult feelings and experiences. Sometimes people may feel therapy is actually making things worse. When this happens, it can be a positive sign indicating that you are starting to look at the thoughts and behaviors causing you discomfort. Once you know what is causing you discomfort, you can work with your art therapist toward creating the positive change you wish to bring to your life.
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What if I don't know what my goals are for art therapy? If you aren't sure what your goals are for therapy, our first task will be to figure that out. Establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience. Goals may be adjusted during the course of therapy depending on your process and needs. Is art therapy confidential? What is discussed in art therapy is confidential. Federal law requires that information shared cannot be disclosed to anyone without your written consent. The exceptions to this confidentiality are as follows:
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Grace Fletcher, ATR, LPC * 541.954.6494 * Grace@ArtwithGraceCounseling.com * Copyright © 2024
390 Lincoln Street, Suite 240 Eugene, Oregon 97401
390 Lincoln Street, Suite 240 Eugene, Oregon 97401