Art Therapy

What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses creative activities like drawing, painting, and sculpting to help people express themselves and explore their emotions. Unlike traditional talk therapy, Art Therapy allows individuals to use art as a medium to communicate feelings that might be difficult to put into words. It’s based on the idea that the creative process can be a therapeutic and healing experience.

In an Art Therapy session, a trained art therapist guides individuals through various art projects. The focus is not on creating a masterpiece but on the process of making art and what it reveals about a person’s thoughts and feelings. This form of therapy can be particularly helpful for people who find it hard to talk about their problems, such as children, or those dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges. Through art, they can gain insight into their experiences and work towards emotional healing and personal growth.

art therapy

How Art Therapy Works

Art Therapy works by tapping into the creative process to help individuals express and understand their emotions. During a session, an art therapist will provide various art materials and guide the person in creating artwork that reflects their inner experiences. The therapist might suggest a specific theme or allow the person to create freely, depending on their needs and goals.

The act of creating art itself can be calming and stress-relieving. As individuals engage in making art, they often enter a state of flow, where they become deeply absorbed in the activity. This can help distract from negative thoughts and reduce anxiety. After the art is created, the therapist and individual discuss the artwork. This discussion is a critical part of the process, as it helps uncover deeper meanings and insights related to the person’s emotions and experiences.

Through this exploration, individuals can gain a better understanding of their feelings, develop coping strategies, and work through unresolved issues. Art Therapy can also help build self-esteem and foster a sense of accomplishment, as individuals see their progress reflected in their creations. Overall, Art Therapy provides a unique and powerful way for people to explore and heal their emotional world.

Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy

adult art therapy

Adults and Teens

Art Therapy for Adults provides a creative and therapeutic space for individuals to explore their emotions and promote mental well-being. These sessions can occur individual, as relationship pairs, or in a group setting.  When in a group setting, this allows multiple adults to participate and benefit from shared experiences. Art projects in these classes may include creating mandalas, Zentangles, creating "Happy Place" artworks, mental health kits, and mask-making. These activities help adults by fostering creativity and mindfulness, which can facilitate healing and self-discovery.

Adults meet weekly for these sessions, with each class costing $45. While these classes are not covered by insurance, they provide valuable opportunities for personal growth and emotional expression. Participants do not need to be seeing an individual therapist to join. To get started, individuals can fill out a registration form and pay the class fee. This approach ensures that adults have a structured yet flexible way to engage in therapeutic art-making.

art therapy

Children

Art Therapy for Children focuses on helping kids express their feelings and thoughts through creative activities. These sessions, often conducted one-on-one with a therapist, include painting rocks, puzzle making, creating animals with model magic, Zentangles, and mask-making. These projects allow children to use their imagination and creativity while providing a safe space to share their emotions.

Parents can choose whether to be present during these sessions, which occur weekly. While not covered by insurance, the cost for supplies is $15 per session. Art Therapy for children helps them develop emotional awareness, build self-esteem, and find healthy ways to express their feelings. To register, parents need to fill out a form, ensuring that their child is ready to begin this supportive and enriching therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be good at art to participate in Art Therapy?

No, artistic skill is not required for Art Therapy. The focus is on the creative process and emotional expression, not on producing a perfect piece of art.

Projects can include drawing, painting, sculpting, creating mandalas, mask-making, and other creative activities. The specific projects are chosen based on the individual’s needs and therapeutic goals.

Art Therapy sessions typically occur weekly, but the frequency can be adjusted based on the individual’s needs and treatment plan.

It’s important to check with your insurance company to determine if art therapy may be covered under your plan.  Coverage for art therapy varies by insurance provider and policy.  Typically, it is not covered by insurance and there is a separate fee.

Yes, Art Therapy can be conducted in both individual and group settings. Group sessions provide an opportunity for shared experiences and mutual support.

Absolutely. Art Therapy is very effective for children, helping them express emotions they might not be able to verbalize and providing a safe space to explore their feelings.

To get started, you can contact us to schedule an initial consultation. They will discuss your needs and goals to develop a personalized therapy plan.

In the first session, the therapist will typically conduct an assessment to understand your background and therapeutic needs. You’ll be introduced to the process and may start with simple art activities to get comfortable.

Art Therapy is generally safe and beneficial. However, like all forms of therapy, it may bring up intense emotions. A trained Art Therapist will guide you through these emotions and provide support as needed.

Start your healing journey today with Art Therapy – schedule your first session now!