Window on My World, 3”x5”
porcelain, acrylics, & sculpey, by a 13 y/o artist
 

ART THERAPY – WHAT IS IT?

Art therapy is a creative process whereby one can explore and improve personal problems, relationships, spiritual issues, and existential concerns. It is an established human services profession that addresses the emotional, physical, and mental aspects of humanity. Art therapists are masters level professionals who are skilled in assessment and treatment of clinical issues, using a variety of therapeutic art modalities. Comprehensive information about all aspects of art therapy can be found at www.arttherapy.org and www.atcb.org .

  
Art therapy differs from art class in that it is a process with little emphasis on creating a product. Art therapy concerns itself with doing something, not making something. Although a meaningful art object may result from the art therapy process, this object is looked upon as visual evidence of the process that took place, not the culmination of an art project. The object may serve as the expression of an idea or dream, the revelation of an insight gained, or a reminder of skills honed during the process. Although an art therapist’s job might include instruction or help implementing materials or tools, the goal is to support and guide the art maker in the least directive way possible, allowing him or her to expand upon the idea at hand without restricting the process.  

Cathartic non-verbal expression 17”x22” by 10 y/o Allison
  
     
 
a 16 y/o artist used low-fire clay to create Warped Watermelon, 2"x4"x3"

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ART THERAPY ?

  • Can be self-soothing, calming, and cathartic.
  • Helps individuals achieve mastery and enhances self-esteem.
  • Provides a means of expression that bypasses verbal logic.
  • Skills learned in the studio can generalize to positive behaviors in everyday life.
  • Allows for harmless exploration of socially unacceptable behaviors.
  • Affords control – allows individuals to make their own choices.
  • Engages the entire brain and can strengthen neural networks.
  • Increases problem-solving capabilities; helps find meaning in the problem.
  • Creates space to learn about and implement fantasy, symbol, and metaphor.
  • Offers opportunities to achieve insights and connect with one’s unconscious.
  • Encourages the formation of a sense of self; creates an artist identity.
  • It’s Empowering!
   

Teepee and Sunset, 18” x22”
by 7 y/o Daniel