More Information About Art Therapy

Many of my clients are terrified when first offered art materials during a session. Many people are worried that their art making will not be aesthetically pleasing. Many fear using materials they have never used before. It is completely normal to feel nervous...most of us stopped making art when we were very young, thus our artwork will often reflect the age at which we ceased creating art in our lives. Here are some thoughts on what Art Therapy IS and IS NOT...and don't worry! If you don't want to make art in a session, you don't have to!

ART THERAPY IS:

....a way to get images out of your head and on to paper (or other mediums) which might allow you to better process troubling emotions, point to aspects of your thoughts, and open new methods of how to communicate about things that are difficult to talk about.

...RELAXING! Believe it or not, making art may stimulate areas in your brain that increase the feelings of relaxation.

ART THERAPY IS NOT:

...only for children. Art Therapy helps children and adults alike to express things that might be difficult to talk about, whether you have the words to do so or not.

...only for artists. Many people are afraid that the finished product in an art therapy session will be judged.  In fact, it is the PROCESS of creating the art piece that is so important. Most of my clients have had NO formal art training. Stick Figures are WELCOME!

And here's a new article about art therapy on the Goodtherapy.org website:  http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/creative-healing-frequently-asked-questions-about-how-art-therapy-works-0722135