NO EXPERIENCE WITH ART MAKING IS NECESSARY.
The American Art Therapy Association describes art therapy as “an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Art Therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.”
Art therapy can be helpful to many different types of people and for many different issues.
Art therapy offers a calm, supportive way to express thoughts and feelings that can be hard to put into words. You do not need to be artistic or have any experience with art-making to participate. This is not an art class, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to create. Your artwork will never be judged, critiqued, or analyzed. Instead, it becomes a starting point for gentle exploration and understanding, guided by a trained therapist.
Art therapy is flexible and always guided by your comfort level. Sometimes we may create art together, and other times you may choose to make artwork on your own and talk about it afterward. Some clients prefer to talk while creating, while others find quiet reflection more helpful. In virtual sessions, you may also be invited to create artwork between sessions and bring it to our next meeting. You are always welcome to choose what feels safest and most supportive for you. Therapy moves at your pace, and the goal is to create a space where you feel at ease, heard, and understood.
If you are interested in experiencing art therapy for yourself, reach out to me on my contact page.
