Creative Art Therapy
Art therapy is a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem (AATA).
What Makes Art Therapy Unique?
It can often be challenging to understand and verbalize difficult emotions and experiences. Luckily, there are outlets such as art therapy available to work through such experiences. In our younger days, the majority of us gravitated towards some sort of creative expression, whether art, dance, music, or play, finding a natural way to express ourselves. While not as direct as speech, creative forms of expression are just as much a language to self-reflect, communicate emotions, and process experience.
Creative Art Therapists are not only trained in facilitating traditional talk therapy sessions, but also in the utilization of art materials and art making process in treatment. Should the client be interested, various materials for art making can be provided in order for the client to creatively process his or her experience while exploring feelings and resolving conflict in working towards treatment goals. Art therapy can be explored at any age and any skill level, in a safe, judgment-free space, making it an effective option for treatment.
Populations & Practice
Where is it practiced?
• Mental Health Settings
• Rehabilitation and Wellness Centers
• Hospitals/Clinics
• Schools
• Forensic Settings
• Private Practice
• Community Settings
In what format is it practiced?
• Individual Therapy
• Couples or Family Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Workshops
• Professional Development
What populations can benefit?
ANYONE of ANY AGE! Art therapy supports with:
– General Stress and Pressure
– Mental Health Issues
– Addictions
– Anxiety
– Attention Disorders
– Behavioral Issues in School
– Communication
– Depression
– Grief and Loss
– Eating Disorders
– Emotional or Physical Neglect and Abuse
– Physical Illness/Medical Issues
– PTSD
– Relationship or Family Issues
– Self-Esteem/Confidence
– Social Skills
– Trauma
& more!
“Art therapy helps people resolve conflicts, improve interpersonal skills, manage problematic behaviors, reduce negative stress, and achieve personal insight. Art therapy also provides an opportunity to enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of art making (AATA).”
*The above information pertaining to definitions and populations serviced was taken from the American Art Therapy Association’s website. For more information visit https://arttherapy.org/.