• Some of us find it difficult to verbalize our thoughts, feelings and emotions. For example, we are too embarrassed; or we lack adequate language or cognitive skills; or we have been exposed to trauma that constricts our freedom to express ourselves verbally. Art therapy is an intervention that provides the opportunity for nonverbal expression and communication.
• The art therapy environment provides a supportive venue in which to safely express and explore strong, sensitive or destructive feelings.
• Visual expressions can be abstract or random and less organized that verbal expressions.
• Discussion about your artwork and the art making process can help both of us gain insight into your inner world.
• By drawing or visually expressing your feelings, even if you can't identify or label your emotions, we will have a starting point from which to address your issues.
• Art and emotions are closely linked. Art often has the power to alter moods.
• The act of producing art is often a relaxing process, thus perhaps reducing some of the stress that might have brought you into therapy in the first place.
• Suppressed thoughts and memories often surface spontaneously during the process of image making.
• Many of us have a need to feel productive. Art therapy is a hands-on, productive form of therapy.