What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.
Art Therapy
Who can use art therapy?
Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups, and families to assess and treat the following: anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders; substance abuse and other addictions; family and relationship issues; abuse and domestic violence; social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness; trauma and loss; physical, cognitive, and neurological problems; and psychosocial difficulties related to medical illness. Art therapy programs are found in a number of settings including hospitals, clinics, public and community agencies, wellness centers, educational institutions, businesses, and private practices.
Who is an art therapist?
Art therapists are masters level professionals who hold a degree in art therapy or a related field. Educational requirements include: theories of art therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy; ethics and standards of practice; assessment and evaluation; individual, group, and family techniques; human and creative development; multicultural issues; research methods; and practicum experiences in clinical, community, and/or other settings. Art therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media) for assessment and treatment.
When an individual uses art to express him/herself, the expression is less defended than using the verbal and thus tends to address more directly issues, themes, etc. that can help the individual more efficiently access healing. Art therapy engages an individual in the creative process, allowing them to safely practice elements of play. When one can play, one can problem solve. You can access more information on the profession and practice of art therapy at the American Art Therapy Association’s website.
About the Center and Art Therapy
Our innovative techniques are highly recommended as a creative tool during family therapy, engaging the participants to relate constructively to family relations and communications. Art in therapy allows for the expression of inner confusion and pain to find a reassuring external order.The emotional expressions through art are endless and renew the meaning of life. Art expression's greatest power lies in its ability to create change.
We are not limited to one mode of expression, art therapy techniques are inclusive to all others expressive therapies as drama, music and poetry. Our integrative approach to the art in therapy allows us to respond to the client's problems and it facilitates expression in the most direct manner possible.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy is using photography and images as a projective technique for personal growth and self exploration. By using personal images or by creating new ones through photography and integrating art expression this modality offers new creative ways for a better understanding of behaviors and emotions.
