Art Therapy
Art therapy makes a difference. Art making is an enjoyable, fun activity that elevates our spirits and brightens our outlook on life. Art making relieves feelings of stress and helps us express ourselves. facilitates connections in the brain
Art therapy leads to a greater balance of mental states and experiences and leads to a reduction of the effects of stress. The brain has the potential to change through exposure to and interaction with external stimulating experiences such as those that occur with art therapy. Art making is inherently a novel experience which can help build connections in the brain towards pleasure and enjoyment. This can help change patterns of negative thinking towards a healthier outlook on life.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a modality that combines psychotherapy with the healing and transformative aspects of art and the creative process.
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA)provides the following definition of of Art Therapy: “Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
Art therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.” https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/
What does Art Therapy help with?
Art therapy helps individuals:
- Become more responsible for their behaviors and develop more successful strategies
- Develop new and creative solutions to problems
- Develop respect and acceptance of self and others
- Learn to experience and express emotion
- Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of others
- Learn new social skills and relational skills
- Develop self-efficacy and a better assuredness about their abilities
Through integrative methods, art therapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. Kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities invite alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication, which can circumvent the limitations of language. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience and empowers individual, communal, and societal transformation.
Art therapy aims to help with personal growth and development. The practice of art therapy requires extensive, specialized education, training and experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about art therapy and how it can change your life, contact me today for a free consultation.