What Is Art Therapy?
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) defines art therapy as, “Art Therapy is 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.”
My journey to becoming an art therapist began with my undergraduate fine art education. In the classroom I learned form, composition, and various materials. In my dorm room, I learned to express myself freely and I began processing my childhood experiences. The paintings I made in my dorm validated my experiences, provided closure where there otherwise was none, and instilled a sense of hope. I didn’t know it then, but I was intuitively engaging in art therapy.
Today, with the advances in neuroscience, we know there is evidence to support the efficacy of art therapy as a trauma therapy. Due to the imagery and sensory properties of memory, art making can be an ideal modality in addressing both brain and body memories associated with traumatic experiences as both the brain and body are engaged in the art process.
Art therapy does not require a person to be skilled in the arts or have any prior experience making art. It is a gentle, transformative, non-invasive approach and does not require clients to discuss details of their memories if they do not want to.
Art therapy is not just for trauma either! As AATA states, “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.”
If you are wondering if art therapy might be for you, feel free to schedule a free consultation call!