IT IS ONLY IN BEING CREATIVE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL DISCOVERS THE SELF
– D.W. WINNICOTT
WHAT IS ART PSYCHOTHERAPY
Art psychotherapy is a mental-health profession that helps to improve and enhance the mental and emotional wellbeing of individuals. It is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media and the creative process of art-making as a mode of communication, allowing individuals to use art as a way of expressing their subconscious thoughts and emotions. The participant can use any materials and the art can take any form
In the UK Art therapy has been practised within the National Health System since 1946 and art psychotherapy has been a state-registered profession since 1981. Art therapy programmes are commonly found in settings such as hospitals, clinics, public and community agencies, wellness centres, educational institutions, businesses and private practices. Art psychotherapy is based on the belief that there is inherent healing power in the creative process and that artistic self-expression can help individuals in a number of ways, for example in resolving conflicts and problems, reducing stress, promoting centeredness, increasing self-esteem and self-awareness, achieving insight, developing interpersonal skills and managing their behaviour
TRAINING OF AN ART PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Art psychotherapists are trained to understand the processes involved in art making, which is underpinned by knowledge and experience of therapeutic practice. The Masters-level training involves two or three years of work with individuals and groups in a range of settings, such as inner-city schools, psychiatric wards, hospitals and the prison service. Art therapists have a first degree in art or a relevant subject, and must have extensive previous experience of working in an area of health, education or social care
After qualifying for my Master in Art Psychotherapy from Goldsmith Collage, University of London, I gained several years of experience providing art therapy in both the private and the public sector. This included delivering art therapy to children in a primary school, adolescents in a secondary school, adults within acute mental health care in a hospital, as well as migrants and refugees (adults and children) for a UK based charity. Within my own business I have provided private sessions to individuals, as well as workshops groups combining art therapeutic practice with mindfulness and meditation
ART PSYCHOTHERAPY MAY BYPASS VERBAL DEFENCES AND LIMITATIONS, WHICH CAN ALLOW AH-HA MOMENTS TO COME TO YOU SOONER, AND IN A NON-THREATENING WAY
AS THIS TYPE OF THERAPY IS LESS DEPENDANT ON VERBAL EXPRESSION ALONE, IT CAN BE PARTICULARLY BENEFICIAL FOR THOSE WHO ARE LESS COMFORTABLE OR ABLE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES VERBALLY
WHO IS IT FOR
Art Psychotherapy can be used by anyone who would like to increase their psychological insight and improve their emotional health, connect with their creativity, challenge themselves, improve their relationships, clear blockages or learn and heal from past experiences
Art psychotherapy strives to facilitate: self discovery and self awareness, insight, stress reduction and increased self esteem
Art psychotherapy can also benefit those experiencing a range of symptoms or difficulties, including: anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, bereavement, grief or loss. negative body image, and other emotional and relational issues
HOW DOES IT WORK
Art psychotherapy sessions usually have elements of both art-making and verbal therapy. However, usually the client can choose how they wish to divide the session between the two. Sometimes there is much to be said and sometimes the client may wish to be entirely emerged in art-making. The therapist stays continuously attuned to the client and helps facilitate the discovery process. Art materials are always provided in the room and the client can use these freely. Sessions usually take place once a week at the same time
The role of the art therapist is not to make an aesthetic or diagnostic assessment of the client’s image, but to use the art as a tool to work therapeutically through a problem or issue. As with verbal psychotherapy, the therapist will not try to interpret what a client was thinking, but will instead use psychotherapy techniques to explore the artwork with the individual. The session becomes similar to verbal therapy, with the art being the method through which to gather more information, provide a permanent record, and to help a client get closer to the issue
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