Art Therapy
Art Therapy is:
- a way to use the creative process to foster self-awareness, problem-solving and personal growth.
- a way to use the creative process with individuals, groups or families.
- a process, which can be utilized with varying theoretical frameworks, such as psychodynamic, cognitive and family systems.
Who Might Benefit From Art Therapy?
- Individuals who may prefer less verbal expression.
- Individuals who are particularly adept verbally but tend to avoid emotional expression.
- Individuals who have an interest in art (not necessarily "talented") or express their ideas well through imagery.
What is Important to Know About Art Therapy?
Individuals who choose to participate in art therapy should realize that it is the process of creating, not the product created, which is important.
What is an art therapy assessment?
An art therapy assessment is a series of directed tasks, which provide an understanding of an individual's developmental level or insight into the individual's emotional world or how they view their world. The directed tasks may be used to determine areas of strength and possible goals for counseling. Art therapy assessment usually involves behavioral observation and an individual's associations and comments, as well as the directed art tasks.
Group Art Therapy
Group art therapy shares similarities with other types of groups, providing opportunities for group members to feel a sense of community, to note similarities and differences, and to interact with other individuals. A difference in group art therapy as compared to other groups would be the obvious creation of an art product. The art therapist serves as a leader in the creative process, modeling support and providing materials for self-expression, which support group members' needs. The process may be both verbal and nonverbal.
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