Why use expressive arts in Therapy?

 

Integrative practice invites you to use your imagination or creativity to help you access places where you might feel 'stuck'. The art making process and energy arts can be cathartic - relaxing and reparative. You may even develop new ways of feeling and relating, gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of yourself and others.

 

Do I have to be creative or good at art? You do not need to have any artistic skills at all, just a willingness to explore. Anything created in our sessions represents the process not the product. This unique non-verbal therapeutic process promotes discovery and recovery naturally. 

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Art can Heal. “Art gives a voice to that which cannot be spoken” - Eden O Shoro  

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What Is Art Therapy*?

 

Art therapy is a registered healthcare profession that uses artistic creation as a tool to facilitate the expression and resolution of emotions and emotional or psychological conflicts. 

 

Art Therapy may also be used in conjunction with talking therapies, as it may be easier to express yourself visually before verbally. Art Therapy combines visual art and psychotherapy in a creative process using the created image as a foundation for self-exploration and under-standing. Thoughts and feelings often reach expression in images rather than in words. Through the use of art therapy, feelings and inner conflicts can be projected into visual form. In the creative act, conflict is re-experienced, resolved and integrated.

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Art therapy is a profession with more than seventy years of history that fits within the care professions. Art therapy is practiced following a strict methodology and under a defined therapeutic framework or setting. This therapeutic framework and the aforementioned methodology are mainly based on the theory of art therapy, analytic group psychotherapy, dynamic psychotherapies and contemporary art theory.

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Art Therapy is for everyone. 

 

Art therapy is inclusive and can be used by anyone of any age or ability who has a willingness to explore and engage in a creative or expressive process.

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The use of art media enables self-exploration and the expression of emotions in a non-verbal way. This non-verbal approach is particularly helpful for people who feel uncomfortable with more traditional ‘talking’ therapies. 

 

Advantages of Art Therapy/Art Psychotherapy - Art therapy can encourage clients to:

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  • express feelings that may be difficult to verbalise

  • explore their imagination and creativity

  • develop healthy coping skills and focus

  • improve self-esteem and confidence

  • identify and clarify issues and concerns

  • increase communication skills

  • share in a safe nurturing environment

  • identify blocks to emotional expression and personal growth.

 

The psychological value of Art Therapy explores how our behaviours, personal narratives, present and past relationships, and experiences affect our current beliefs and circumstances. In order for this to be facilitated, a trusting therapeutic relationship is built between therapist and client, and the 'art making' provides a form of expression so that personal development or growth can occur in a safe and supportive environment.

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*Definitions of "What is Art Therapy?" have been derived in combination from BAAT, BCATA and ATe