ART & MUSIC CENTERED THERAPY

Art Therapy

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is an age inclusive modality, providing benefits to those all across the lifespan and with vastly different needs. Art therapy can provide the ability to be more explorative in regard to an individual’s emotions and the internal and physical connection that the individual holds. The addition of art in session provides clients the space and opportunity to not only process their needs verbally, but both visually and physically too, through the creation and tactile processes of art making. The process of art making within therapy provides a safe space to increase emotional expression while also reducing psychological distress that may come up from processing negative emotions. Most importantly no one needs artistic talent in this therapeutic process, but rather maintain a willingness to try something new.

What is the format for Art Therapy Sessions?

Art therapists all work in their own way. The use of art in session will truly vary based on the client’s interest and receptiveness to exploring expression through a new avenue. The initial sessions utilize art making in a typically slower fashion, just as  an introduction to this style of therapy. Sessions might involve art making for emotion regulation, with processes like scratch art, scribble drawings, or paper tearing. The goal is to begin tapping into a cathartic process of relief.  This falls into the art as therapy category meaning that the process of creation provides some kind of therapeutic relief.

As your relationship with your therapist develops or if your needs extend beyond regulating emotion and rather focus on growth, establishment, and awareness, so too does the depth of the integration of art making in sessions. Heavier topics and feelings become center stage for exploration in the art, as the client works through to process internal self-dialogues, past experiences, and life defining moments. Through this process art is used for expression, regulation, and reflection, meaning the client will not only talk about the art they create but also works to find and understand the significance it holds for the person on this healing journey.

What are the Benefits of Art Therapy?

By combining art therapy and talk therapy modalities the client is provided with an ease of expression from attributes of the left and right side of brain functioning. Creativity in session is always a safe space for exploration into inner experiences, personal growth, and self-awareness. Processes become more directed toward creations that speak to and include exploring a specific point in the past, present, or future or even a goal or mindset that the client is working towards.  

While using art in session is such a significant tool, talking things out, using visualization, mind body connection, and mindfulness are elements that round out an art therapy session. In some therapy sessions the individual might not even make any art as it is ultimately the client’s choice too. Art Therapists are trained to work in both talk therapy and art therapy, so there is no pressure to engage in art. Instead, coffee tables in the treatment rooms will likely be filled with a few inviting art materials to explore when ready. For some that readiness will be the first session, for others it might be a couple weeks, some possibly months. Your readiness is all that matters!