What is ‘Art Therapy’ really all about? If you have ever found yourself wondering how art therapy works, who the services are meant for, and what to expect when in a session, you’ve come to the right place! This article hopes to provide a little more information on the unique benefits that art therapy has to offer as well as in answering some commonly asked questions.
1) What Is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that integrates creative expression and psychological frameworks of healing as a way to provide support for individuals, families, and communities that may be faced with a variety of different life experiences or challenges. The Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) also describes how art therapy, “uses imagery, colour, and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, wherein thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate”.
2) Why Is Art Used in Therapy?
Art is a powerful tool for visually communicating thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Making art is incorporated into the therapeutic process as it offers additional support in helping clients to interpret, express, or resolve their emotions and thoughts.
3) How Does Making Art Help?
The act of creating engages the mind, body, and spirit which can have many positive effects on our well-being that is unique to each individual. Creative activities have an inherent ability to support individuals in a range of physical and mental health benefits such as reducing conflict or stress, increasing self-esteem, and enhancing overall sense of well-being, among many other benefits too.
4) Who Would Benefit From Art Therapy?
Art therapy is an effective form of treatment for individuals of all ages and across cultures. Those who report a higher level of effectiveness tend to be individuals in which traditional talk therapy is not enough, visual learners, individuals seeking relief or
catharsis, or those who may want to try a new or different approach to their mental health.
5) What Can I Expect From An Art Therapy Session?
Art Therapy sessions facilitate a mix of discussion, art making, and sometimes even play! Each session caters to your personal needs, preferences, and interests regarding what materials you like to use, what you want to talk about, and finding the right types of support. Typically speaking, the initial sessions help to build an understanding between the client and therapist regarding;
What brings you to therapy or any challenges you might face.
What kind of support the therapist can offer and the terms of services.
Therapeutic goals or what would be helpful to focus on.
As the client, you decide what you wish to share or create, and the therapist provides support through listening, witnessing, and reflections guided by their professional training.
6) Are Art Therapists’ Certified & Licensed?
Yes. Art therapists are trained and licensed professionals. In Ontario, Canada, art therapists require a master’s level diploma, in addition to specialized training and continued professional development. Furthermore, art psychotherapy is a supervised controlled act under the Regulated Health Professions Act, meaning that art psychotherapists are registered with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario and must obtain a license to practice.
7) What if I Don’t Know What To Make?
That’s okay! In art therapy, you have the opportunity to create art if you choose to, with the freedom of making anything you like. There is no right or wrong way to make art in therapy, but if you are feeling unsure of what to make you can always ask your art therapist for support. The art therapist can help guide you through the art-making process and uncover new ideas along the way.
8) Do I Have to Make Art?
You don’t have to make art, it is always your choice how you wish to participate and what you feel comfortable doing. You don’t have to make art to engage in creative therapies. Instead, we might explore free-associative reflections, improvisational play, and creative problem-solving.
9) How Long Are Therapy Sessions?
The duration of therapy sessions may vary depending on the clinic or agency, but generally speaking, are about 45-50 minutes long. The schedule for sessions may be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly - depending on what schedule works best for you.
In terms of how many sessions you attend, most clinics will recommend at least 4-6 sessions, as this gives you enough time to properly understand and explore therapy goals. Some people may choose to continue sessions ongoing, whereas others may only wish to commit to a few sessions. The client has the power to decide how they want the services to go.
10) How Do I Know if Art Therapy is Right for Me?
The best way to know is to give it a try. Remember that therapy is voluntary, so you always have the choice to pause or terminate services at any time.
What to learn more about Art Therapy?
Get in touch with the Creative Psych team and find local art therapy and other creative therapy resources near you.
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