What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy encourages the exploration and externalization of feelings by using various materials.
Creating artwork in a session leads to a deeper understanding of inner thoughts and emotions. It can spark self-expression, foster healing and create personal growth. It invites containment.
Art therapy is a form of non-verbal communication, and can be helpful when processing difficult experiences. It allows for self-expression and storytelling.
Safely externalizing and processing trauma reduces shame and fear. It brings balance to the mind/body system by integrating past experiences in a safe way.
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
-Thomas Merton
Art-making can deepen our therapeutic work together. The use of metaphor in art therapy is a powerful tool to lead to greater insight.
Art-making is not required in sessions. It is offered as invitation. Clients often use a combination of art and talk therapy, but there is no one-size-fits-all.
Art therapy does not require background in visual arts
It is about the process – not the product! In my experience, most adult clients have not used art materials since grade school.
Examples of art materials used in sessions include: crayons, pens, markers, colored pencils, watercolor paints and collage materials.
Visit the American Art Therapy Association for more information.