"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
-Albert Einstein
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is the professional practice of the therapeutic use of art.
When an individual uses art to express him/herself, the expression is
less defended than using the verbal and thus tends to more directly
address issues, themes, etc. that can help the individual more
efficiently access insight. Art therapy engages an individual in the
creative process, allowing them to safely practice elements of play.
When one can play, one can problem solve. You can access more
information on the profession and practice of art therapy at the
American Art Therapy Association's website:
arttherapy.org.
Benefits of Art-Centered Therapy
- Utilizes both verbal and meta-verbal processing; works with and accesses all the senses
- Flexible and portable
- Short-term efficiency and long-term efficacy
- Immediate
tangible results- clients are working in and beyond literal processing
and receive tools and skills to utilize, process, and learn from
post-session
- Widely applicable- individual to group, young to old, able-bodied to disabled, healthy to ill
- Client-focused-
each session the therapist meets the client where they are and
intuitively and professionally navigates the session from there
- Transcends verbal therapy and taps into symbolism, metaphor, physical movement, and the senses
- Art
therapy does not require clients to have any experience in art. Art
therapists believe that each person is inherently creative and taps
into an individual's resources.
- There are no mistakes in art.
Who can use art therapy?
All individuals are able to participate in and benefit from art
therapy. Art therapists work with children, adults and the elderly and
all ranges of functioning.
The emotional expressions through art are endless and renew the
meaning of life. Art expression's greatest power lies in its ability
to create change. An integrative approach to the art in therapy allows the therapist to respond to a client's problems and it facilitates expression in
the most direct manner possible.
I offer:
- Individual and Group art therapy
- Family art therapy
- Short-term and long-term assistance
- Masters level training and supervision
- Consultation and support for organizations and institutions
