Art Therapy

WHAT IS ART THERAPY? 

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making as a means of self-expression and exploration. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression can be healing and therapeutic. 

In art therapy, a trained therapist uses various art materials, such as paints, pencils, clay, and collage, to facilitate communication, encourage self-awareness, and promote personal growth. Through creating art and reflecting on the artwork produced, clients can gain insight into their emotions, thoughts, and experiences, and develop new coping skills. 

Art therapy can be used to address a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and wellness needs such as exploration of self-concept, increasing flexibility, and phase of life transitions.  Art therapy can be practiced individually, with families, or in group settings.  It can be practiced as a stand-alone therapeutic intervention or may be integrated into other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or mindfulness-based therapy. 

It’s important to note that art therapy is not about creating a masterpiece or producing a beautiful artwork, but rather about the process of creating and the insights gained through that process. The goal of art therapy is not necessarily to create a finished product, but to facilitate personal growth and healing. 

HOW DO I KNOW IF ART THERPAY IS RIGHT FOR ME? 

Deciding if art therapy is right for you can depend on a few factors, such as your individual needs, goals, and interests. Many adults may assume that art therapy is only for people who are “good” at art or that it’s only for children. Actually, these are two common misconceptions.  Art therapy is for everyone, regardless of artistic skill or age. Here are some questions to consider that may help you determine if art therapy is a good fit for you: 

1. Do you enjoy expressing yourself creatively through art?  Would you be open to giving this modality a try – especially remembering that you do not have to be good at “art” to benefit immensely from art therapy. 
2. Have you experienced emotional challenges that you would like to process and work through? 
3. Are you interested in exploring new ways of understanding yourself and your emotions?  

If you answered yes to any of these questions, art therapy may be a helpful approach to consider.   

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY ART THERAPY SESSION? 

What to expect in your art therapy sessions can vary depending on your individual needs and goals, as well as the approach that Mrs. Roseman, your art therapist, feels will be most beneficial for you.  Here are some general things you can expect in your art therapy sessions: 

1. Introduction and assessment: At the beginning of your first session, Mrs. Roseman will introduce herself and explain the art therapy process.  She will also ask questions to better understand your needs and goals for therapy. 
2. Art-making: You will have the opportunity to create artwork using a variety of materials such as paints, pencils, clay, and collage. Mrs. Roseman may suggest certain materials or prompts to help you express yourself, but you will have the freedom to create whatever you want.
3. Processing and reflection: After you have created your artwork, Mrs. Roseman will work with you to explore and reflect on what you have created. She may ask you questions to help you delve deeper into the meaning and emotions behind your artwork.
4. Integration: Throughout your sessions, Mrs. Roseman may help you integrate the insights gained through art-making into your daily life. This may involve developing coping skills, practicing mindfulness, or setting goals for personal growth. 
5. Closure: Throughout your sessions, Mrs. Roseman will help you reflect on what you have learned or gained during the session and may provide homework or suggestions for continued growth and exploration. 

It’s important to remember that art therapy is a personal and individual process, and the exact structure of your sessions may vary depending on your needs and goals. Mrs. Roseman will work with you to develop a personalized approach that meets your unique needs and supports your growth and healing. 

I AM FEELING EXCITED AND UNCERTAIN ABOUT MY FIRST SESSION. HOW CAN I FEEL BETTER PREPARED FOR MY ART THERAPY SESSION? 

Asking questions can help you better understand the art therapy process and feel more comfortable and prepared for your first session. Below, we’ve provided a few questions you may want to ask. More importantly though, please be sure to bring any of your own individual questions that you may have to your first session.    

1. What is your approach to art therapy? How do you typically structure your sessions?
2. What kind of art materials will I have access to? Do I need to bring anything to my sessions?
3. How will you allow curiosity to unfold about imagery or an art piece within the confines of a therapeutic relationship?
4. How will you help me integrate what I learn in art therapy into my daily life?
5. How many sessions do you typically recommend? How often should I expect to have sessions? 

Again, it’s important to remember that these questions are just a starting point, and you may have additional questions based on your individual needs and goals for therapy. Mrs. Roseman is open and willing to answer your questions and provide the information you need to feel comfortable and confident in your therapy journey.