@MyCreativeVoice
Art therapies, when words are not enough, the art give the soul a creative voice to tell its story.
What is Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a mental health profession that uses creative processes to help improve and enrich the lives of individuals of all ages.
Through art-making and applied psychological theory, art therapy involves artist self-expression which can help individuals improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, reduce stress, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.
Art therapy is facilitated by a professionally trained art therapist. Art therapists are master-level clinicians who have been trained and guided by ethical standards and scope of practice to be culturally proficient, honor individuals' values and beliefs, and work with those challenged with medical and mental health problems as well as those seeking emotional, creative, and spiritual growth.
Art therapists work in a variety of settings including schools, universities, mental health clinics, homeless or domestic violence shelters, or substance treatment. Art therapy involves a therapeutic relationship and takes place in a safe and confidential space.
The main goal is self-expression and art supplies are used as tools to reach that goal.
American Art Therapy Association
Art therapy can comfort, stimulate, soothe, and affirm one's identity.
Katherine Valkanas
Types of Art Therapy
There is no right, wrong, good, or bad way to create. Individuals are encouraged to focus on the process rather than the end result. Exploring and observing feelings through the creative process of making art. Artwork is seen as a reflection or extension of its creator. It is used for communication.
Specifically, there are two types including art as therapy or art psychotherapy.
Art As Therapy
This is when art making is used as a therapeutic tool toward the process of healing, expressing, or reducing stress.
Art Psychotherapy
This is a form of expressive therapy which art is the avenue for symbolic communication.
Carl Jung
Often it is necessary to clarify a vague content by giving it a visible form.
This can be done by drawing, painting, or modeling. Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain."
How it Works
Art therapy is using art materials and directives to work with challenges or difficulties. - @arttherapyco
Art therapy allows individuals to... Have a creative voice, Rebuild trust and safety, Use art media to express and communicate, Revisit wounds in a non-threatening way, Reflect and gain awareness of self, Make sense and meaning of experience, and Heal and integrate self. - @mycreativevoice
Brain and Art Therpay
Art is a whole brainer
Art can increased neural connectivity in the area of the brain that deals with introspection, memory, and self-monitoring. It also increases positive perspective, become more self-aware, more psychologically resilient, and better at coping in the future. When creating art, our brains are very active!
critical thinking
creativity
reflection
problem-solving
communication
collaboration
resiliency
self-direction
risk-taking
“Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength”
Sigmund Freud
What does an art therapy session look like?
Every art therapist is different, but I like to start with a check in, set the goal or intention for session, and then start the art-making which could include a directive or spontaneous creation. I then like to spend time at the end of session exploring and discussing the art created.
Will you tell me what is going on in my head if you look at my art?
No, I do not know what goes on in your head, but you will soon discover your own story once you engage with art.