ART THERAPY

What is Art Therapy?

Art, symbols and their therapeutic benefits are not a new concepts, they have been around since humans walked the earth. Images on the walls of caves have been used in the past to depict and transform painful experiences. Art was used as a deep and rich form of communication.

Art making goes where the thinking mind cannot. The dark depths of our unconscious, the place of buried experiences, feelings, and emotions, core beliefs and schemas. It offers an avenue for these parts to have a voice, to be seen and heard. It is an activity that invites curiosity, contemplation, and wonderment. Or as my teacher Rob Gray suggests, “A key to unlocking the door of the unconscious and allowing for an in-depth healing process to begin”.

It is a combination of both processes of art creation and the theory and knowledge of psychotherapy.

It is a fun, kinaesthetic and often tactile process that does not require any form of art experience.

The therapist, specifically trained in this unique modality, is present to hold space, to offer differing perspectives, to guide you to what your body and unconscious memory want you to hear. It is NOT the role of the therapist to analyse your artwork or interpret any meaning to your creations. You are the expert and all answers lie within you.

Art Therapy can be broken down into two types -

• Art as Therapy – participating in art making with the core emphasis that the process itself achieves healing.

• Art in Therapy – utilising a range of other psychological tools in combination with art making to access deeper more meaningful places.

  Art therapy does not require any formal art knowledge or experience, our interest is in the process and the meaning, not the resulting art piece.

  Through the use of different art mediums and clay, art therapy may provide insights and growth, balance the nervous system and help create mind/body connections.

  There is growing research showing art therapy to be beneficial in not only increasing wellbeing, emotional regulation, mindfulness and relaxation, but also, in reducing symptoms of PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

Curious and want to know more?