What is Art Therapy ?
Art therapy or art psychotherapy is a therapeutic process that uses creative art making for expression of experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It combines hands on art making and play with conversation, reflection and goal setting. This makes art therapy a dynamic and interactive process.
Thoughts and feelings can be expressed through the art with or without words. This provides a wonderful opportunity to express when words are not enough, are hard to find or for those too young to communicate or understand.
Art therapy can be used as an outlet for emotion and related behaviours. It provides a safe place to share about and reflect on experiences as well as express related feelings in a tangible way. Art therapy also provides a safe place to have new experiences. It provides an opportunity to learn new tools and create strategies for wellness and to practice these new skills and ways of being.
The art created is then used as a foundation for self-exploration, problem solving, making meaning, and understanding. Through creative expression and creativity there is potential to play your way to health. You can recreate your story and build your Self through the dynamic interactive process of making art. Art therapy can be a resource and a place to recognise your strengths and provides a way to grow them. As creative art making for expression is done in the moment, it is also a practical way to practice mindfulness.
Art therapy can benefit a wide range of people from those experiencing intense emotional difficulty to those who wish to deepen their creativity and explore their emotional worlds and to enhance their lives. Art therapy can bring the power of choice and pleasure of creating into your life and with it, the potential for health and vitality.
No art experience is necessary to benefit from art therapy as the focus is on creative expression.
This process is guided by an experienced, certified professional art therapist, so that you are supported. You are not alone.
For more information about art therapy visit
The Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI) http://info.kutenaiarttherapy.com/
The Canadian Art Therapy Association (CATA) www.canadianarttherapy.org