Art Therapy

 

Sometimes words are not enough to communicate your thoughts and feelings. Art Therapy is recognized as a unique approach, combining psychological theories, art media, the creative process, and the created product to explore emotions, resolve emotional conflict and improve overall well-being. Art therapy can be beneficial to anyone regardless of their background or age, and no artistic experience is necessary. The art therapist will provide a safe, nonjudgmental environment where individuals can creatively express themselves, gain insight, heal, and promote growth and change. With the guidance of the art therapist, the individual will use a variety of art materials to engage in specific therapeutic tasks that may help break through obstacles that could be holding clients back from meeting their full potential. Utilizing the art process as a vehicle for self expression and communication, individuals may break through harmful patterns of thinking that may influence mood and behavior and manage depression, anxiety and anger.

Goals that may be achieved through art therapy:
Gaining self-awareness and insight
Learning alternative ways to safely and creatively express thoughts and feelings
Improving overall mood
Decreasing tension and improving coping skills
Processing traumatic experiences safely through the creative process

A Registered Art Therapist (ATR) has completed master level education, postgraduate supervision experience, and received credentialing. Educational, professional, and ethical standards are established by the American Art Therapy Association.