What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy integrates psycho-therapeutic techniques and the creative process to improve mental health, self awareness and overall well-being. The American Art Therapy Association describes art therapy as “a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.” Art therapists utilize the process of art making and is not focused on creating a final product.
Working with an Art Therapist
As an art therapist, I use visual art media to help people who may struggle to communicate verbally or to express their feelings.
People who have been referred to me do not need to have experience of, or be good at art, it is simply used as a medium for confronting difficult emotions and to help with awareness and self-development.
Helping Children Break Through
Art therapy for children can provide kids with an easier way to express themselves since children are more naturally artistic and creative. A young child is likely to be more comfortable initially expressing him/herself with some crayons and markers, for example, than he/she is going to be at expressing emotions and feelings through words.
Coming to terms with a loss is one of the biggest challenges one may encounter in a life span. Often the traditional ways of communicating our experience fail. Non-verbal communication can offer the bereaved a more rounded holistic approach to an overwhelming situation. The arts can make a detour past a cognitive response to the sub-conscious emotive self that may help access the relearning and sense making of living a life in light of a significant loss.
Art therapy can serve as a powerful and expressive outlet for individuals struggling with self-harming behaviors. Through the creative process, individuals can externalize their internal struggles, emotions, and pain onto paper or through various artistic mediums. Art provides a non-verbal means of communication, allowing individuals to explore and process complex feelings that may be difficult to articulate verbally. The act of creating art can offer a sense of control and empowerment, fostering self-awareness and aiding in the identification of triggers for self-harming behaviors. Additionally, art therapy encourages the development of healthier coping mechanisms by providing a constructive and positive alternative to self-destructive actions. As individuals engage in the therapeutic artistic process, they may find a source of solace, healing, and a pathway towards greater self-understanding and emotional well-being.
Art therapy can be a transformative tool for individuals navigating parenting and family issues. By engaging in creative expression, individuals can explore and process complex emotions related to their roles as parents or family members. Art provides a unique avenue for communication, allowing individuals to visually represent their thoughts and feelings about family dynamics, relationships, and parenting challenges. The nonverbal nature of art can bridge communication gaps, facilitating a deeper understanding of one’s own experiences and those of family members. Through the art-making process, individuals may gain insights into patterns of interaction, develop coping strategies, and find constructive ways to address conflicts within the family unit. Art therapy serves as a safe space to explore and reframe family narratives, fostering healing and strengthening connections within the family.