What is Expressive Arts Coaching?

EXPRESSIVE ARTS COACHING and FACILITATIONor boss)
What is it?- someone who currently works in the creative arts
Think of the process as a fusion of creativesuch as writers, artists, dancers, designers who are
expression and personal development work.experiencing a block or who wishes to dive deeper
Participants may gain clarity around an issue, such asinto their art form or explore another
finding one's life purpose, and/or get in touch withWhy would someone choose to attend an
one's creative Self. The process tends to be a placeexpressive arts coaching or facilitation workshop or
of discovery with Aha! moments pepperedsession?
throughout a session or workshop.They are ready to try something new and different,
What forms of creative expression are utilized?and believe that something can happen while
This is a sample list of the different ways coachesengaging in art-making. They are excited to venture
and facilitators engage you in the creative processinto a deeper understanding of themselves while
for clarity and self-discovery:engaging in the creative process whatever form that
Visual Arts: painting, drawing, collage, clay, masks,may be - writing, collage, drumming, etc.
sculpting, sand tray, mandalas, mixed mediaAnything else?
Writing: poetry, haiku, journaling, memoir writing,Expressive Arts Coaching and Facilitation can be
creative writing, short storiestherapeutic but it is not therapy. There are
Music: drumming, singing, music-making, listening, songexpressive arts/creative arts therapists, art
writing, soundingtherapists, music therapists, and drama therapists
Movement: dance, breath work, authentic movementwho do some coaching and facilitation BUT a coach
Drama: storytelling, theater games, role playingor facilitator usually is not providing therapy because
Who would be interested in a workshop or session?they are not licensed nor is it the focus of their
Anyone who is interested in one or all of thework. Coaches and facilitators do not diagnose. Some
following:clients work with a coach/facilitator as an alternative
- unleashing and widening the space for their creativeto, or as a complement to, their traditional talk
Self to surfacetherapy.
- finding answers and exploring ideas about theirLastly, the client does not need to be artistic to reap
careers, life purpose, self-esteem, and relationshipsthe benefits of this style of personal development!
(such as a spouse/partner, family, friends, colleague,The focus is on process not product.