Art therapy is a form of counselling that uses creative arts as a form of expression. It is used by people of all ages, from children to adults and seniors. In art therapy, clients use art media such as paint, clay, crayons and other materials in order to express their feelings. Although there are many different types of art therapy counselling out there, we need to understand the main areas and benefits of this type of counselling.
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of counselling that uses creative arts as a means of expression. It is used to help people express their feelings, explore their emotions and explore their thoughts. It is also be used as a way for someone to identify problems or issues with their mental health in an alternative way than talking about it.
An Art therapist uses the mediums of painting, drawing, collage and clay modelling (amongst others), as well as body movement and songwriting, to help people connect with themselves better through self-expression. The idea behind art therapy is that by expressing yourself in this way, you will be able to gain more insight into your situation or problem than just talking about it and getting the input of the therapist.
Who can use art therapy?
Art based therapy is used in a wide range of situations, including:
- Emotional Expression
Helping people express themselves and explore their emotions - Dealing with Trauma
Dealing with trauma, such as abuse, accidents or natural disasters. It can also be used to help people process grief after losing someone close to them. - Assisting with Depression and Anxiety
Treating depression and anxiety disorders. Art therapists may use art activities like making collages or doing paintings to help you relax and focus on positive things. It can also look at the core of what may be causing depression or anxiety in your life from a creative approach rather than just “talking” about the issue.
Art therapy is available for adults and children who have experienced trauma (including abuse), depression/anxiety disorders or other mental health issues (such as obsessive compulsive disorder). It’s also sometimes used by people with terminal illnesses who want support during this difficult time in their lives.
How does art therapy work?
Art based therapy is an excellent choice for those who need help dealing with emotional and mental issues. The client creates art to help connect with their body felt-sense and express themselves when words don’t work. The art is then looked at from different perspectives where the therapist asks facilitatory questions to help the client interpret their art and to help the client understand their own emotions and thoughts.
The benefits of art counselling are numerous: from helping with depression or anxiety to improving self-esteem or building social skills – it can be used therapeutically for many issues that affects a person’s well-being.
What are the benefits of an art therapy session?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art making, such as painting, drawing, sculpting and collage, to help you express your emotions. As mentioned, art based therapy helps you to process the thoughts and feelings that are bothering you by creating an environment in which you can explore them without judgement. The therapist will be there for support but won’t give any advice or tell you what to do with your artwork.
Some benefits of art based therapy include
- Expressing how you feel using colour, images and movement
- Processing trauma or painful events from the past
- Finding meaning in life
- Expressing creativity through making art
Art therapy is a form of counselling that uses creative arts as a form of expression.
In art based therapy, the client creates artwork in response to their feelings, thoughts and experiences. The therapist will help the client to understand the meaning behind their work by inviting the client to view their work from different angles and inviting them to be curious about personal meaning that they may connect to their art making
Art therapy can be used to help people express themselves when words aren’t enough, and it can also help them deal with stress or trauma by giving them an outlet for those feelings.
Mental Care and Art Therapy
People experiencing mental illness or who are undergoing medical treatment when in a suitable setting and express feelings through the creative process can make vast improvements. Health care can be enhanced by inviting expression through visual arts.
Personal growth and self development
An art therapy room can be a needed break from the outer world, a place where creative expression can improve personal development and self awareness. These benefits can improve everyday life and reduce stress.
Self esteem improvements with an art counselling session
Art Therapy counselling can help improve self esteem by allowing people to express themselves in a safe environment where they can experiment with different mediums while being mindful of their feelings and thoughts related to their current situation. One person might choose to use colour while another might choose to create abstract shapes on canvas with paint brushes or even clay sculptures! A therapist will guide you through each step along the way so that you feel safe enough to create whatever you are feeling in the moment which helps promote creativity and freedom.
Where can I find Melbourne leading art therapists – At Empowered Art Therapy
Art Therapy counselling is an effective way to help people express their feelings and find new ways to deal with their problems. Finding the right art therapist is vital. Start your first session today with the assistance of Empowered Art Therapy.