How can art therapy help me?
Let’s begin by defining what art therapy is and debunk some myths about it. Art therapy is a blend of psychology and artistic expression used within a therapeutic relationship. Art therapists need a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy to become a licensed practitioner. Art therapy is an integrative mental health treatment that combines using different art materials, the creative process, and the resulting artwork for a therapeutic and healing journey. One of the primary goals of art therapy is to improve a client’s overall functioning and sense of well-being in life.
Now let’s debunk some of the common myths about art therapy:
It is like an art class. Nope, art therapy is not an art lesson. It is grounded in the knowledge of human development, psychological theories, and counseling techniques. Some information about different materials and how to use them may be included in art therapy sessions, but it is largely directed by the client’s self-exploration. Clients have the freedom to choose what they want to use, experiment with, and play with in a therapeutic setting.
It is only meant for kids. Art therapy is actually for all ages! Art therapy is such a wonderfully adaptable process that it has been used in all kinds of settings from hospitals to schools to elderly homes and even prisons. It can be used with war veterans, children with developmental delays, survivors of abuse, those healing from illness and medical procedures, or teens with eating disorders, and so much more!
The art therapist will analyze my artwork. Modern art therapy approaches do not seek to analyze or ascribe meaning to someone’s artwork. The actual process of making the art can be expressive and a means to an end in itself. In addition, when the artwork is finished, it is the client who describes what they have made and what the creative process was like for them. It is essential that they create meaning and insight from their own artwork and not the therapist.
You have to be an artist to do art therapy. Absolutely not! Previous art experience is not required and it is not encouraged either. For people who do come from artistic backgrounds and who are used to critiques of their art, art therapy can be a process of letting go of making something “pretty” and just flowing with their natural creativity. Each person’s art journey looks different and there is no “right” way to make art.
You have to make art every session. Each person’s art journey looks different because we are all met with unique challenges in life. Thus, it is not required to make art every session. It depends on the client’s needs in the moment and what kinds of expression would help them most. It is significant, although not necessary, to verbally offer what the creative experience was like because it helps integrate the material in multiple ways.
So how does art therapy work? What can I expect during an art therapy session? Good questions! As I mentioned earlier, the needs of the client determine the flow of a session, but let me provide some general ideas of what a session might be like when I do art therapy with my clients. If someone comes in really upset, I might suggest doing a quick drawing to release some emotions and gain grounding before we talk about what happened. For others, they might come in ready to discuss something specific that they need help processing. After discussing things with them, I might suggest an art directive for them to work on in session that relates to their specific challenge. And for some, I might have them come up with a long term project that they work on each week while we talk or quietly sit together.
Lastly, let’s go over some of the benefits of doing art therapy and how it is helpful. Art therapy works by:
Activating creativity and imaginative thinking that trauma often shuts down. This opens us up to new possibilities when we have felt stuck in negative thinking and constricting behaviors.
Expressing the non-verbal. Art allows us to express ourselves without needing to use words. It can be difficult to put feelings or experiences into words so this is very useful for children or trauma survivors.
Aiding in integration. Using all different parts of the brain by talking, painting, moving to express a feeling or an experience creates integration on different levels of our physiology.
Providing relief by putting experiences into concrete form. Self-expression is healthy.
Strengthening the mind/body connection. Art therapy helps us tune into our bodies by focusing on our inner experience and sensation.
Reducing stress and boosting self-esteem. Making art can be cathartic and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Encouraging self-reflection and greater self-awareness. Art can be a window into the soul by stimulating insights. One of my favorite art therapists, Shaun McNiff, likes to say that images are messengers from the soul.
Engaging problem-solving abilities. The creative process can be full of twists and turns, and it can teach us how to use our resources and creative thinking to persevere during artistic challenges.
Learning a resilient coping skill. Making art in itself is a soothing, healthy coping skill to use.
I am a transpersonal art therapist, which means that I like to use art as a means of self-exploration, meditation, and psychological growth I believe that art is a useful tool to get to know the Self on the deepest levels and to integrate the mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach emphasizes interpersonal connection and love, respect for others, and recognizes that as humans we have an essential need and longing for spiritual connection. Art therapy is like modern shamanism where we can connect with the soul and make meaning out of the chaos of life by using the creative process for transformation.
Doesn’t art therapy just sound amazing?! I think so, too. If you are interested in trying art therapy, please contact me for a free consultation.
Click here to watch some short videos of art therapy in action.
Sources:
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van den Kolk.
Introduction to Art Therapy: Faith in the Product by Bruce Moon.
