Art Therapy

What is art therapy?

Art therapy combines thoughtful questions and careful listening with suggestions for art activities designed to help generate creative solutions to stuck situations. Breathing exercises, body awareness, and therapeutic play are other techniques often used.

No artistic experience is necessary - it is the process, not the product that matters.

Art therapy is a natural choice for children, and is great for adolescents who can be uncomfortable with direct questioning. Adults also benefit from (and often enjoy) art therapy, because they can find fresh perspectives on old patterns.

Art therapy is useful whether the issue is a relationship challenge due to communication breakdown, or the effects of surviving severe trauma. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, illness, and behavioral problems can all be reduced through the creative process. Art therapy enhances any recovery program.

• The creative process opens up emotional expression and offers release.
• Therapeutic activities structure and contain the experience.
• The artwork is a lasting visual and tactile representation of inner exploration and self-expression.
• Observing and sharing the art increases connection and creates greater understanding.
• Images express complex feelings, while words are sometimes not enough.
• The physical movement, brain and biochemical activity involved in making art supports neurobiological healing.
• Traumatic memories and experiences are more accessible for processing and release when using visual art interventions than when just talking.
• The process of creating art necessitates making decisions and finding solutions, which helps to increase problem-solving abilities and enhance concentration.
• Practicing new skills increases self-esteem.
• Interactive art projects facilitate communication and interpersonal awareness.