Art Therapy is a powerful therapeutic technique that provides a unique space for clients to explore their lives, to be empowered, and improve their well being.
Art Therapy is:
- Easy
- Fun
- Transforming
- Energizing
- Empowering
- Enlightening
- Creative
- Healing
- Safe
- Self-expressive
Art Therapy is NOT:
About making pretty pictures. Most of the time, exercises done during art therapy sessions are about the process, not the end product. During the process of making art we are able to access different parts of ourselves and our brains than we could if we were only talking. Oftentimes, clients find the answers that they are seeking within themselves during the flow of art making.
Requires NO artistic skills. Many times clients are intimidated by the word “art” or about the idea of making art. Art Therapy is a non-judgmental, safe space!
Art therapy is not a new aged, airy-fairy practice. Art Therapy is a real, regulated profession with decades of scientific research proving its effectiveness.
What kinds of issues does Art Therapy help?:
The short answer is EVERYTHING! Any issue or problem that a client sees a traditional “talk” psychotherapist or mental health counselor for can be treated with art therapy.
Here are some specific examples of issues that Art Therapy has been shown to be particularly powerful in improving:
Trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, personal development, communication skills and more
Art Therapy is a real and reputable profession with regulations:
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.”