What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health practice in which clients use a creative process to express themselves. The expressive process may aid in reconciling emotional conflict, increasing self-awareness/self-esteem, developing social skills, and combating anxiety.
Positive improvement upon personal well-being is the main goal of any therapy, including art therapy, as well as increasing a sense of self: physically, emotionally, mentally, and sometimes spiritually.
Art therapy is also:
- A way to help clients in describing and understanding problems that are difficult to express and verbalize. It also can bring unconscious thoughts and feelings to a higher level of awareness. Clients utilize their individual creative process to help themselves grow, foster hope, and move forward with their lives.
- All inclusive. It can help clients from all walks of life, culture and personality.
- An extremely effective treatment for people experiencing medical, educational, developmental, social, or psychological impairment.
- Especially helpful for those who have emotional issues related to trauma, anxiety, and depression.
- A way to help clients who do not have mental health issues participate to complete personal wellbeing goals, foster a greater sense of self, and help themselves cope with the ever-demanding world and other stressors.
People do not need to be a naturally artistic person to ‘get something’ out of art therapy. The creative process is not something the art therapist judges or tries to improve.
The creative process is unique to the client, and an art therapist will help guide the client through visual art media in the search for greater mental health and stability.
FAQ: Art Therapy
Why would someone choose to do art therapy and not just talk therapy?
There are many reasons art therapy is used in counseling. Some of them are listed below:
- Talking about things can be difficult. Art can make talking about problems easier because it provides distance from the subject.
- You may be curious to find out what art therapy is and interested in finding out more about it.
- You may have tried other types of therapy and felt like something was missing.
- You have heard good things and know that it’s a powerful approach to solving problems.
- Art therapy can provide you with a new and different perspective to your situation.
Is this covered by insurance?
Yes. Your sessions, which may include art therapy, are covered by insurance plans that have mental health benefits.
What kind of art would I be doing?
There really is no limit (unless it is toxic or cannot be used in a confined space). Most of the time pencils, markers, pastels, paint, clay, and miscellaneous multimedia collage materials are used. Clients are encouraged to ask for what they would like to work with so we can bring those items into the session if possible.
Do we talk or just do art?
Forward Emotion’s approach always includes some talking. There may be times when not talking while making art is more therapeutic, though. We may ask questions about the art and provide insights or feedback as well. It just depends on what you need during that moment in time.
How long is the therapy session?
Most sessions are 50 to 60 minutes. Sessions can be 30 or 45 minutes, although it is quite a challenge to do art or even cover much information in a shorter amount of time.
What is the difference between art therapy and art teaching?
- Teaching of art is showing someone how to do a technique or kind of art – with the point to make something look a certain way. Art teaching also does not focus on problems or emotions.
- Art therapy does not involve formal teaching. There is no right or wrong, no grades, and no critiques. We will help you learn something if you would like, but that is not the purpose of art therapy.
- Art therapy is about expressing yourself, learning something new, and the process of creating. It is not about the product that is created. In fact, you do not need any talent to be helped by art therapy. We will scribble and make stick figures and most certainly color outside of the lines.
When do you need it?
Any time you need help just like traditional talk therapy. Art therapy is used in many settings such as office, inpatient, schools, domestic violence shelters, veterans’ facilities, hospice and many more.
What if I don’t like art?
- Talk therapy, Reiki, Coaching, Dance/Movement and/or EMDR are other treatment options.
- Although art therapy is a powerful approach, we will not make you use it in your sessions. It may be suggested though. Many clients have stated that they are “not creative” or that they “don’t have an artistic bone” in their body. Once they tried it, they realized it was not ‘art’ at all; it was just another way to express themselves and work through something.
What benefit does art therapy have over verbal therapies?
- It can give a different perspective on a situation or problem.
- It creates something more tangible on which to reflect.
- It provides distance from the issue, whereas talking and thinking alone can make things seem overwhelming. The distance can provide a sense of relief.
- It uses another part of your brain to aid in feeling more creative which can also increase your self-confidence, aid in self-awareness, and self-actualization.
- It uses parts of your brain that hold memories and emotions compared to traditional talk therapy that uses mainly the verbal/analytical parts of your brain.
Contact Forward Emotion today to set up a good time to have an initial call!