What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on the expressive and exploratory nature of visual art making. Through the use of different art media the client can work on certain issues that may be hard to bring up verbally. When a client has lived through a difficult experience, the art work serves as a non-verbal form of communication. It becomes an object separate to the client, making it easier for them to discuss, analyse and reflect on the experience, with the help of the art therapist.
How does art therapy help the client?
The creative expression stimulates cognitive functions, the senses and enables the client to externalise their inner feelings. It helps them connect with their Self and others, to acknowledge the legacies of the past, to address current problems and to grow in confidence and self-appreciation. The art-making is not only relaxing and enjoyable, it is also stimulating and gives the client a sense of control. Art therapy is a form of therapy where the evolution is tangible and memorable - the art therapist and the client can review past art works to see the progress that has been made, or to notice recurrent patterns and themes.
What is the role of the art therapist?
The therapeutic relationship is primordial - the art therapist is there to guide and support the client throughout the process, accompanying them through their experience. The art therapist and the client work together to find meaning in the art works produced.
Who is art therapy for?
Art therapy is a form of therapy based on image-making, meaning that art therapists can work with anyone capable of making marks (in other words, everyone!). It is therefore very accessible - art therapists work in all kinds of settings like communities, schools, prisons, hospitals, aged care facilities, with all kinds of people from children to older adults, individually, in groups, families and other relationships.
Some examples of who might benefit from art therapy:
- People experiencing stress, depression or anxiety
- People experiencing problems at work
- Marginalised groups or communities
- People suffering from chronic illnesses
- People recovering from alcohol or substance addiction
- People suffering from mental or physical disabilities
- People suffering from disorders and illnesses such as eating disorders,
PTSD, dementia, cancer, brain injuries...
- People experiencing loss
- People with learning disabilities
- People who want to use art therapy for self-exploration
You can download an FAQ's list here.
