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Art therapy offers not just therapeutic effects, but transformational ones as well. The outcome of art therapy largely depends on your investment in the process and who you aspire to become. Therefore, art therapy can be a powerful tool to explore personal confusion and regain clarity.
Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses artistic expression and creativity to promote mental and emotional well-being. Through the process of art therapy, individuals can benefit in a variety of ways:
The process of art therapy is typically carried out by a well-trained, certified, and qualified art therapist. These professionals have received specialized education and training in both art and therapy, allowing them to use art-making and creative expression to help individuals address emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. They have expertise in guiding clients through the creative process, helping them to explore and express their emotions and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Therefore, if you are interested in art therapy, it is recommended that you seek out the services of a qualified and certified art therapist who can guide you through the process.
Individuals who have received training from registered art therapists with extensive experience, such as Dolphiner Instructors in the ATA, are under regular supervision and constant monitoring to ensure the quality of their services.
Art therapy can:
Art therapy is often shrouded in mystery, and some people have a hard time understanding the process. The power of art therapy lies in the integration of bodily knowledge, emotional expression, and cognitive understanding. Each of these elements is essential for a successful art therapy process.
During an art therapy session, a client may not always gain immediate insights, but the images and stories that are activated in their bodily system may lead to a deeper understanding of their experiences. A skilled art therapist can guide the client to explore these insights more deeply by asking thoughtful questions and providing relevant psychological education.
At ATA, we use a variety of visual art materials and drawing paper to facilitate the art therapy process. We don’t need complicated techniques to assist the client; all we require is their active participation and trust in the process.
It’s important to note that art therapy is not simply another form of verbal therapy. It requires a holistic approach that engages the whole person to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome.
We typically see two types of clients: voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary clients seek out art therapy on their own and are typically more willing to engage in the therapeutic process. Involuntary clients may be referred by someone else or mandated to participate, and may be more resistant to therapy.
Regardless of whether a client is voluntary or involuntary, the structure and procedure for art therapy sessions remain the same. The therapist will introduce the concept of art therapy and establish an agreement with the client regarding confidentiality and the therapeutic process. They will then work with the client to identify their concerns or issues and guide them into an acceptable mood for therapy. The therapist will provide art materials and paper size according to the client’s needs, and guide the client to create artwork that can be used as a tool for therapeutic exploration. The therapist will also pose effective questions to help the client look at their artwork from a different perspective, and conduct a proper wrap-up at the end of the session.
The number of sessions and the duration of therapy will depend on the client’s needs, the seriousness of their issues, and their willingness to participate in the therapeutic process. The therapist will work with the client to establish therapeutic goals and regularly reassess their progress towards achieving those goals.