Art making is an enjoyable way to express our feelings and connect with ourselves. Bruce Moon says “Art making is a Spiritual Practice” and I couldn’t agree more. Art is a way to connect with ourselves, others, and our God. Art making helps to reduce stress and frustrations in our lives by building new connections within our brain. Our brains have the power to rewire themselves through exposure and interactions with external stimulating experiences such as what happens within art therapy.
Art therapy is a form of therapy that intertwines psychotherapy with the healing and transformative components of art making.
The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) defines Art Therapy as:
“Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
Art therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.” https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/
How does Art Therapy Help?
- Implement new and creative solutions to problems
- Develop respect and acceptance of self and others
- Experience and express emotions
- Cultivate empathy and respect for thoughts and feelings of self and others
- Learn new social skills and relational skills
- Develop self-efficacy and confidence in art making
Art therapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. Kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities invite alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication, which goes around the limitations of spoken language. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience and empowers individuals and communities for growth.
Art therapy is a great tool to work on personal growth and expression. The practice of art therapy requires extensive, specialized education, training and experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about Art Therapy and if it can be helpful for you, please contact me.