What is Art Therapy?
What is Art Therapy?
July 12, 2023
Therapy
At the end of 2022, I completed my training to become an Art Therapy Practitioner. A thorough on-line course, it covered the psychology, pathologies, and activities used for art therapy. Along with my regular blog posts, I wanted to write several post about how art is used when working with clients.
Therapy, in and of itself, is the process of change and understanding. The Humanistic approach is positive, connects the client to their feelings and internal processes.
Art Therapy
The therapeutic approach in art therapy is for the client to be whole, capable of progress and autonomy, and help eliminate limiting beliefs. Art therapy also reveals a client’s unconscious. While creating, the client works silently allowing their thoughts and feelings to be expressed in the form of art. In turn, the client may begin to bring up ideas that were not in their conscious thought.
The principles of art therapy include:
a new or nonverbal way of communication.
a chance to reconnect with their self.
a language beyond speech.
a creation of the mind.
a way to get to the unconscious mind to enable internal change.
Expressive Art Therapy
This therapy focuses on the effects of the creative process. The creation part of therapy is the process of healing. Art therapy mobilizes our inner resources, is patient-centered, and explores the unconscious.
Expressive Art Therapy develops intuition, imagination, clear thinking, and logical thinking.
Have an inspiring day!