Art Therapy
When you don’t know what is wrong…
You wake up in the morning and dread what the day has in store for you.
When thinking about work, you know you want more but have no idea what that more is or how to get there.
Your family is wonderful, supportive, approachable… yet you just don’t know how to explain to them the unhappiness you are feeling.
Every day you think about just escaping to an island all by yourself…
Your friends don’t ask you to go out anymore.
Your family says you are different and tries to stay out of your way for fear of an angry outburst.
Isolation is becoming the name of the game… The prize for winning – LONELINESS.
You would talk to the people who love and care about you, but what do you say? You can’t even explain what you are feeling.
More importantly…YOU DON’T KNOW WHY IT STARTED AND WHY YOU CAN’T SHAKE IT.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a type of therapy where clients use their creative processes to express themselves. The process may help in mending emotional conflict, increasing self-awareness/self-esteem, developing social skills, and combating anxiety.
Art therapy can help with increasing a sense of self: physically, emotionally, mentally, and sometimes spiritually.
Art therapy is also:
A way to help clients in describing and understanding problems that are difficult to express and verbalize. It also can bring unconscious thoughts and feelings to a higher level of awareness.
Clients utilize their individual creative process to help themselves grow, foster hope, and move forward with their lives.
Help for clients from all walks of life, cultures and personalities
Art Therapy is an extremely effective treatment if you are experiencing medical, educational, developmental, social, or psychological impairment.
It is especially helpful for those who have emotional issues related to trauma, anxiety, and depression.
A way to help clients who do not have mental health issues participate to complete personal well-being goals, foster a greater sense of self, and help themselves cope with the ever-demanding world and other stressors.
THE BEST PART
People do not need to be a naturally artistic person to ‘get something’ out of art therapy.
The creative process is not something the art therapist judges or tries to improve.
The creative process is unique to the client, and an art therapist will help guide the client through visual art media in the search for greater mental health and stability.
Why art therapy over talk therapy?
Why would someone choose to do art therapy and not just talk therapy?
There are many reasons art therapy is used in counseling.
Talking about things can be difficult.
Art can make talking about problems easier because it provides distance from the subject.
You may have tried other types of therapy and felt like something was missing. You have heard good things and know that it’s a powerful approach to solving problems.
Art therapy can provide you with a new and different perspective to your situation.
What kind of art would I be doing?
Most of the time pencils, markers, pastels, paint, clay, and miscellaneous multimedia collage materials are used.
Clients are encouraged to ask for what they would like to work with, so we can bring those items into the session if possible.
Do we talk or just do art?
ReAlign’s approach always includes some talking.
There may be times when not talking while making art is more therapeutic, though. We may ask questions about the art and provide insights or feedback as well.
It just depends on what you need during that moment in time.
What is the difference between art therapy and art teaching?
Teaching of art is showing someone how to do a technique or kind of art – with the point to make something look a certain way. Art teaching also does not focus on problems or emotions.
Art therapy does not involve formal teaching. There is no right or wrong, no grades, and no critiques.
Art therapy is about expressing yourself. You do not need any special talent to be helped by art therapy. We will scribble and make stick figures – and most certainly color outside of the lines.
When you don’t know what is wrong…
When do you need it?
Any time you need help just like traditional talk therapy. Art therapy is used in many settings such as office, inpatient, schools, domestic violence shelters, veterans’ facilities, hospice and many more.
What if I don’t like art?
Doing talk therapy by itself is always an option with ReAlign.
Although art therapy is a powerful approach, we will not make you use it in your sessions. It may be suggested though.
Many clients have stated that they are “not creative” or that they “don’t have an artistic bone” in their body. Once they tried it, they realized it was not ‘art’ at all; it was just another way to express themselves and work through something.
What benefit does art therapy have over verbal therapies?
It can give a different perspective on a situation or problem.
It creates something more tangible to reflect upon.
It provides distance from the issue, whereas talking and thinking alone can make things seem overwhelming. The distance can provide a sense of relief.
It uses another part of your brain to aid in feeling more creative which can also increase your self-confidence, aid in self-awareness, and self-actualization.
It uses parts of your brain that hold memories and emotions compared to traditional talk therapy that uses mainly the verbal/analytical parts of your brain.
The help that you need when you need it!
If you have any questions or are ready to schedule an appointment, we are happy to speak with you for a free 20-minute consultation.
Please call (817) 953-6316 or fill out the form below.
We look forward to speaking with you.