Art Therapy: When Words Are Not Enough
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy where challenges are explored through the creative process with the support of a professionally trained art therapist. This relational and embodied approach has the potential to regulate the nervous system, activate sensorimotor pathways and uncover unconscious material. It offers an experiential approach, that can evoke a sense of presence and playfulness, that integrates mind, body and spirit. There is no focus on artistic technique or aesthetic beauty. The symbols and metaphors that emerge during the act of creation can lead to self-reflection and meaning making. Art therapy is suitable for people of all ages and can support a wide range of cognitive and emotional challenges. Art Therapy can include visual art, dance or movement, music, poetry, writing and more. For contextual purposes, this blog will be focused on art therapy using visual art. What the art can look like is as diverse at the participants experiences and stories.
Why is Art Therapy Effective?
Memories and insights may emerge in a variety of ways, and outcomes can differ depending on the art invitation or the materials. Understanding and aha moments can occur through the creative process, witnessing the final product, or through processing it with the Art Therapist. It’s common for content to surface that may not have otherwise been understood conceptually or expressed verbally. This approach can enhance agency and self-awareness, promote change and personal growth. Art Therapy uses art as a tool, and the process as a means for better understanding the self and integrating past experiences. The process of creating can help explore patterns of behaviour, belief systems and relational dynamics. It can help with decision- making, and creative processing. Some clients also express a developing sense of trust, compassion and self-acceptance, as well as a deeper connection to intuition. Sometimes it can feel difficult to articulate in words what is felt, or to express experiences that are deeply painful. Art Therapy offers an avenue to explore raw, unconscious material through symbols, images and metaphors. In this form of therapy, art is a tool to gain a better understanding of the self and integrating past experiences. Like other therapy modalities, it can explore patterns of behaviours, belief systems and relational dynamics.
Art Materials
The materials offered during sessions are responsive to the present needs of the client. This may mean using materials suitable for the presenting issue or the client’s interest in exploring a certain material to convey their vision or experience. An array of materials may be offered to allow the client opportunity to try new materials and choose materials that speak to them in the moment. A few examples of materials include drawing and painting supplies, natural materials, collage items (paper, magazine images, 3d materials) and fibre art materials (fabric, stitching, string).
Group Art Therapy vs Individual Art Therapy
Both Group Art Therapy and Individual Art Therapy can offer insights and promote change for an individual, and what differentiates them is; the structure of sessions and processing of the art, as well as the amount of time spent exploring personal histories. Both options aim to support the client in reaching their therapeutic goals. In Individual Art Therapy, there is a more in-depth exploration of the individual’s past, present and future goals and challenges. Certain individuals may benefit from a more personalized approach. Group Art Therapy can follow a structure which includes art making, journalling and sharing with the group. The Group Art Therapist facilitator aims to create a safe group container, offers invitations and structure, opportunities for clients to share what they would like with the group and supports as needed throughout the process.
Written by: Student Art Therapist, Caitlyn Chisamore
All artwork has been created in an Art Therapy setting by Caitlyn Chisamore