What is Art Therapy? Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy.
According to the American Art Therapy Association:"Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.
Art therapists are professionals who hold a Master's Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling or a related field. Educational requirements include: theories of art therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy; ethics and standards of practice; assessment and evaluation; individual, group, and family techniques; human and creative development; multicultural issues; research methods; and practicum experiences in clinical, community, and/or other settings. Art therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media) for assessment and treatment."
Is Art Therapy just for children?
"Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups, couples and families to assess and treat the following: anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders; substance abuse and other addictions; family and relationship issues; abuse and domestic violence; social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness; trauma and loss; physical, cognitive, and neurological problems; and psychosocial difficulties related to medical illness. Art therapy programs are found in a number of settings including hospitals, clinics, public and community agencies, wellness centers, educational institutions, businesses, and private practices. "
Click here for Erin's guidelines on choosing an art therapist.
Is Art Therapy effective?
With regard to art therapy as a modality with persons who have experienced a trauma, research shows traumatic memories are stored in the right hemisphere of the brain. Language is a skill controlled by the left hemisphere of the brain, thus making verbal recall of these memories more difficult.
This is especially true for young children. Even developmentally appropriate children lack the verbal capacity of adults by which to relay their experiences. Making art with the guidance of a trained professional helps to bypass verbal defenses and limitations, allowing for safe feelings expression while aligning with a child's natural inclination to communicate through art and play.
Even as adults, it is not easy to talk about our feelings and experiences. Silence can serve as a defense mechanism, a way to keep overwhelming feelings at a distance or as a way to avoid real or imagined punishment. Art therapy can help belay this fear and provide a safe way to experience ourselves, increasing awareness of our feelings and inner-dialogue, even before we are ready to share such aloud with another person.
Do I have to be an artist to use Art Therapy?
YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE ANY FORMAL ARTISTIC TRAINING TO BENEFIT FROM AND ENJOY ART THERAPY! Denver Art Therapy & Counseling, LLC will provide all of your supplies and a wonderful and private space in which to create.
What if you look at what I have created and decide I am crazy? Can you diagnose me through my artwork?
At Denver Art Therapy & Counseling, LLC we believe that the truth of your images lies with you. We will never make assumptions or judgment regarding your creations. It is impossible and unethical for any therapist to issue a diagnosis on the basis of one piece of artwork. Additionally, you will never be forced to talk about your images. However, we do hope that you will feel comfortable enough to share your creative process with your therapist as well as the meanings you discover in your work.
What if I don't feel Art Therapy is right for me? Do I have to use it in my session?
Art and or play therapy is not appropriate or conducive to every situation in therapy. Often our ultimate goal is to have improved verbal communication. As such therapy with us usually consists of a combination of art or play, and evidence based talk therapy. You never have to use art therapy.
A therapy is said to be evidence based if it has proven to be effective in clinical research studies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an example of an evidence based therapy that is widely used by therapists today, including by Erin in her work with clients at Denver Art Therapy & Counseling. We use evidence based therapies because we feel it is unethical to provide a therapeutic service unless it has been empirically demonstrated to provide relief. Every person and family is different and therapy is rarely a "one size fits all" situation. We will work together to find the best solutions for your unique needs.
Image:
Sometimes the obstacle is the path.
- Zen Proverb
Individual, Family, Child Therapy in Denver and the surrounding Metro areas: Cherry Creek, Englewood, Lakewood, Westminster, Arvada, Commerce City, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Aurora
