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Art Therapy

 

Art Therapy is a creative therapy that offers the use of a variety of media (pencils, markers, paints, clay, collage, sand tray) with which to create a story or stories, offering an opportunity for expression without words.  These stories often come from deep within, rather than from the mind, and therefore reflect the inner truth of what is happening for the client.  

 

What does an Art Therapy session look like?

 

The client is free to create an image or art piece from a number of mediums available in the Art Therapy space.  The therapist sits at the art table with the client, gently encouraging or prompting the client during the creative process, without instructing or leading the client.  The beauty of the creative process is trusting that whatever needs to be created, will be.  Art Therapy is not dependent on a person's artistic skills; everyone can engage with this process.

 

What is Sandplay Therapy?

 

In addition to the above media, Sandplay therapy is also available when working with clients.  There are a variety of miniatures and other objects on display within the art therapy space.  The client can choose as few or as many as they like with which to create a story in the sand tray, or simply experience the tactile nature of the sand on its own.  

 

Sandplay therapy is a very powerful therapy that tends to bypass thoughts and directly connect with a person’s inner being.  The well-known psychoanalyst - Carl Jung - talked about the psyche having a natural tendency to want to integrate parts of self, which leads to healing, given the right set of circumstances.  Sandplay therapy provides this healing space.

 

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What happens next?

 

The client and therapist may spend some time looking at these creations and stories from different perspectives – both literally and metaphorically - in order to understand what is going on for the client at the time.  This process is often followed by the acknowledgement and validation of the client’s experience and, over time, ultimately leads to acceptance, healing and change.

 

Why is Art Therapy a great alternative to talking therapies?

 

Some people find it difficult to express what it is they are feeling.  The Art Therapy space provides for the expression of feelings directly from the unconscious, through a process of “losing the mind and engaging the senses”; the unconscious will always reflect the truth of what is happening for the client.

 

In addition, for those people needing to engage with a number of different professionals as part of their ongoing healing process, having to share their story many times can often be overwhelming. Art Therapy offers an opportunity to experience the healing power of therapy without lots of talking; if talking does occur, it’s on the client’s terms.

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Inclusive Effectiveness of Art Therapy

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Art Therapy is effective for working with both young children, tweens and teens, through to adults and the elderly including, but not limited to, people who have...

 

• Autism Spectrum Disorder 

• Body Dysmorphia and Eating Disorders

• Issues with trauma

• Issues with grief and loss

• Relationship issues

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Feelings of stuckness or uncertainty

• General feelings of malaise

 

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