| Art therapy is a modality in the psychology field | | | | expression can then offer a physiological response of |
| that's focus is on the transformative power of | | | | reduced blood pressure, decreased heart rate and |
| nonverbal language. Because art therapy brings | | | | respiration, while pleasure enhancing biochemicals such |
| together the fields of art and psychology, it | | | | as serotonin and endorphins are increased. |
| integrates visual arts, human development, behavior, | | | | Expressive art also touches us at a soul level by |
| mental health, creative process, imagination and | | | | enabling people to overcome feelings of existential |
| personality. It is based on the belief that the act of | | | | emptiness and disconnection that is often felt in our |
| art making can help us understand more of who we | | | | modern culture. It allows us to become more |
| are, enhance lives, and lead us towards personal | | | | connected to our inner selves in relationship to |
| growth through self-expression. | | | | "other," the world, and spirit. In doing so, art making |
| Although art therapy as a modern profession is quite | | | | becomes an enlivening and energizing experience. It |
| new, creative expression through visual art is one of | | | | helps us grow, self-actualize and problem-solve more |
| the oldest forms of healing in history. This is the way | | | | readily. We find new ways of seeing. |
| that mankind began expressing itself as a means of | | | | Who Can Benefit From Art Therapy? |
| communication on cave walls, through hieroglyphics | | | | A common misconception of art therapy is that |
| and within sand paintings. Art has always been a way | | | | people need to be artistically inclined in order to |
| to express the deepest of sorrow as well as the | | | | participate. The beauty of art as therapy is that |
| most joyous of moments. The expression of these | | | | artistic ability is not required, because art expression |
| many varied emotions has brought catharsis and | | | | in any form is embraced. The goal here is not that |
| self-awareness to many an accomplished artist and | | | | one make masterpieces, but rather to have an |
| non-artist. | | | | understanding and acceptance that everyone has an |
| How Can Art Be Healing? | | | | innate ability to be creative. Through the process of |
| Art therapy enables people to express themselves in | | | | creating one can gain personal insight, new |
| areas that are impossible to express in words. Since | | | | perspective, and have an opportunity to transform. |
| art expression does not occur, as a linear process as | | | | What is an Art Therapy Session Like? |
| is found in spoken language, there is the ability to | | | | In all forms of psychotherapy, the presence of a |
| allow ambiguous, confusing and contradictory | | | | professional facilitator is a central aspect to the |
| elements to show up in the art. This ability of art to | | | | healing process. Having a safe, trusting relationship |
| contain paradoxical elements helps people more easily | | | | with an art therapist along with the making of art |
| integrate and synthesize conflicting feelings and | | | | enhances the potential growth within the client. Within |
| experiences... | | | | an art therapy session, the therapist can serve as a |
| The sensory qualities of art making are a way to | | | | supportive guide to clients' exploration of materials, |
| move more readily into our emotions and perceptions | | | | help with the examination of content and meaning of |
| than spoken word alone. The tactile quality of the art | | | | images, and be a compassionate witness to the |
| materials allows us to integrate healing qualities such | | | | artists' expressions. The therapist's non-judgmental |
| as the ability to relax, self-soothe, and enhance | | | | presence can be the impetus for a client to take |
| emotional catharsis. | | | | risks, build self-esteem skills and find insight during |
| The art making process can literally be a means of | | | | sessions. These new found skills could then translate |
| "cleansing" to discharge strong emotions for relief. | | | | further into his or her daily life, thus allowing for |
| The alleviation of stress and anxiety through creative | | | | transformation to occur. |