What is Art Therapy? Art therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment approach that incorporates art materials and artmaking (and sometimes other creative means) to help individuals of all ages express, explore and work through their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. What is an Art Therapist? Art therapists are mental health professionals who through graduate-level education have been trained in both psychological theory and in the use of art to help of support, maintain and/or improve the overall wellbeing of individuals. If you are considering art therapy, ensure that your therapist is properly trained and qualified by inquiring where they received their art therapy training and whether they are a member of a Professional Art Therapy Association. How does Art Therapy work? During art therapy, you will be invited to engage with art media that can include drawing, painting, sculpting, textile work, crafting, imagery, or collage. It can even include doodling, scribbling or writing. Your therapist might suggest an idea or theme or you may have your own idea or theme. Or your therapist may invite you to create art freely and see what spontaneously emerges from your subconscious. During art therapy, the focus is on the process of art making including any thoughts, feelings or verbal expressions that emerge while you’re working on your art. It often also involves the story you may share about your art. What is the intent of Art Therapy? Art therapy provides an alternate means of communication, allowing you the opportunity to express thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to articulate through words alone. Engaging in the creative process, can help you gain insight into your emotions and explore unresolved issues in a safe and non-threatening way. It can also have a cathartic effect as strong emotions are safely released via the art materials. What if I’m not good at art? Stick people are okay. Scribbles are okay. Art therapy is about using creative means to help with self-expression, exploration and healing so even if you are not experienced or skilled in art, you can still benefit from art therapy. It's not about how your art looks. It's about how you feel. What is the role of the art therapist? The role of the art therapist is to be a witness and guide and to support any thoughts, feelings or actions that emerge as you engage with the art materials and create your art. The art therapist will facilitate self-examination and self-reflection to help you understand the meaning and impact of your artwork, leading to self-discovery and personal growth. How does Art Therapy help? Unlike traditional talk therapy, art therapy provides an alternative approach to mental health treatment by incorporating the creative process into the healing journey. While traditional therapy relies on verbal communication between the client and therapist, art therapy offers a unique avenue for self-expression and exploration through artmaking. Sometimes it can be hard to clearly articulate thoughts and feelings but art can be abstract and random. Some people find it hard to talk about themselves, but are okay with talking about their artwork. Art making can alter moods. For some, it's a relaxing process that can help reduces stress and anxiety. Who is Art Therapy for? Like other forms of psychotherapy, art therapy is for anyone of any age who may need help coping with difficult thoughts, feelings, emotions and/or behaviours and is open to using art media as part of their healing journey. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may struggle with verbal expression, are reserved, have difficulty trusting people or find it challenging to articulate their emotions. In conclusion: Art therapy is an effective form of therapy that makes use of the healing properties of artistic expression. By engaging in the creative process, individuals can gain valuable insights, process complex emotions, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Interested in trying art therapy? Request a FREE 20-minute consult so I can learn more about your needs and I can tell you more about art therapy. Blog Disclaimer
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Do you ever feel overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or just not like yourself? If so, you're not alone. Sometimes, life can be tough, and it's okay to seek help. This is where psychotherapy comes in. What is psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is a type of mental health treatment that focuses on providing you a safe and supportive space to express yourself, explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and help you feel better. Origin of the word “psychotherapy” [1] psycho ~ from the Greek word psykhē (the soul, mind, spirit, life) therapy ~ from the Greek word therapeia (curing, healing) While psychotherapy is usually talk-based (i.e. you and your therapist talk about issues, challenges, coping strategies, etc.) psychotherapy can also include non-verbal interventions such as art therapy and music therapy. (Stay tuned for upcoming posts that will delve into art therapy/art psychotherapy). What is the role of the psychotherapist? The role of psychotherapists is to be open, accepting, and supportive during your journey to a life that can be better and easier for you to manage. Psychotherapists will help you:
Who can provide Psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is provided by trained professionals who are equipped with the education, knowledge, and skills to help you address issues that may be impacting your mental well-being. In Ontario, only certain regulated professionals [2] are allowed to use the title “psychotherapist.” These include registrants of the:
Who can benefit from psychotherapy? Psychotherapy can benefit anyone who has thoughts, feelings, emotions, moods, perceptions, or cognitive or memory issues that are having a negative impact on their life in areas such as judgement, insight, and behaviours or that interfere with their enjoyment of daily life, social functioning and/or relationships with others. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, coping with life changes, self esteem, self confidence, relationship issues or other mental health concerns, psychotherapy can provide you with the support and guidance you need to navigate through these challenges. Psychotherapy is a valuable resource for anyone seeking help with their mental health. It's a collaborative process that aims to empower you to live a happier and healthier life. If you're considering psychotherapy, take the time to find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable, who understands your needs and is the right fit for you. Remember, it's okay to seek help, and you deserve to live your best life. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
[1] https://www.etymonline.com/word/psychotherapy [2] CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) https://www.crpo.ca/concerns-about-unregulated-individuals/ [3] On July 1, 2024, “College of Psychologists of Ontario” will be amended to “College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario who holds a certificate of registration in the profession of psychology” https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/91r18#BK24 [4] https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/91r18#BK24 |
Hello, and welcome! My name is Karen. Based in Ontario, Canada I provide online therapy for individuals who are looking for a supportive space to express themselves, reduce stress and anxiety, discover their identity, and develop greater confidence. Read more about me... Categories
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