Modalities

The mention of Art Therapy seems to always bring a smile and a look of intrigue to people’s faces. Those who have encountered it before share their experience with it, the others ask for more information. Art therapy is an established mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making as well as models of counseling and psychotherapy to improve and enhance an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The art making process encourages people to express and understand their thoughts and feelings. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be an artist to do art therapy, and it isn’t only for kids. Yes, children seem born to create art and so are great candidates to benefit from this therapy, but think about it, somewhere, all but hidden in a hesitant adult, is that child artist awakened by the smell of crayons. Art Therapy has the uncanny ability to draw out of us what we need to know, feel and understand about ourselves and the world around us. It can sooth our soul, uplift our spirit, communicate our feeling, connect us as family or community, unearth our nightmares and dreams, help us face our fears, uplift our heart and bring us joy. There are two main thoughts surrounding the use of art in therapy, one that the creative process itself is healing and therapeutic, sometimes referred to as art as therapy. The other that well being is achieved through art making, therapeutic interaction and interpretation. This is known as art psychotherapy. In reality, I believe both views are valid. As a professional art therapist I believe in the power of contact, context and relationship; of someone witnessing our discovery and process. This witnessing and dialog validate our journey; give us confidence, strength and self esteem. I have also utilized art making by itself and have encouraged others to do the same. Sometimes we need to help ourselves outside the bounds of formal therapy.