The same way a song, a painting in a museum, or even a familiar sidewalk may evoke a memory deeply stored in your mind, working through rich symbolism through the guidance of an Art Therapist can offer you clearer insights into your emotional experience, promote psychological growth and somatic healing.
What is Art Therapy?
When you were younger and first learning to navigate the world, the adults in your life most likely repeated an instruction to you: “Use your words, use your words.” They wanted to encourage you to communicate your thoughts through your words, to use your voice, and to advocate for yourself through the spoken language. However, in the years that have passed since learning to articulate a sentence, you may have realized that your voice can often fail you when you need it most - you just can’t “use your words” to explain your emotional experience. Your reality may represent a wide range of emotions that cannot be verbalized. Do you ever feel your body shaking with anxious energy and it feels unexplainable? Or a pit in your stomach that you just can’t shake? Maybe you’ve shed confused tears during a joyous moment that found you speechless. Art Therapy can help you explain the unexplainable.
Who is Art Therapy For?
Everyone! Creativity is innate to the human experience, and the Art Therapy process simply offers you a tool to connect to your unique voice. If you are reading this and thinking “I can’t draw”, it is necessary to know that Art Therapy is not Art training. Instead, it focuses on the process, not the product. Also, Art Therapy is not limited to drawing and painting. Art Therapists are trained to adapt materials to guide you - some materials include fiber arts, embroidery, phototherapy, collaging, sculpting, designing, journaling, Eco-Art Therapy (using found objects from nature), jewelry making, fashion, digital art, film. All that's needed to take an Art Therapy class is an open mind. Give it a try and see what becomes possible when you allow yourself to relinquish control of outcome.
Art Therapy Heals
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Trauma
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Grief
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Life Transitions
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Identity Issues
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Substance use
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Emotional Regulation
The Facts: According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, less than one hour of creative activity can help in reducing stress levels and have a positive effect on your mental and physical health, regardless of artistic talent or experience. In studies of adults who experienced trauma symptoms, art therapy was found to significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of these symptoms, as well as decrease levels of depression.
