CLAY COVE

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the art-making process within a therapeutic relationship to improve and inform physical, mental and emotional well-being.

 

Art therapy is practiced with individuals as well as groups by a registered art therapist who has completed a minimum of a two-year masters level programme.

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How does art therapy works?

Art therapists may employ a variety of artistic expressions, depending on the intentions and experience of the individual they are working with. The creative process can help us to access our deeper thoughts and feelings and create an outlet for non-verbal expression. The therapist supports the process of finding meaning in the expression and explores ways to understand and integrate this growth.

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Benefits of Art Therapy

Art therapy allows individuals to express things that they simply can’t put into words.  “A picture is worth a thousand words” is particularly true in art therapy. Sometimes a drawing or painting is much more powerful and revealing than fifty minutes of dialogue.

 

Some of the potential benefits of art therapy, including but not limited to the following:

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• Reduces stress

• Increased sense of self-awareness

• Greater sense of control

• Increased sense of independence

• Improvements in communication

• Healthier, more positive body image

• Improvements in social skills

• Safe expression of difficult emotions

• Increased self-esteem

• Increased problem-solving skills

• Reduced anxiety

• Improved mood

• Improved coping skills

• Healing from trauma

• Enhance sense of personal empowerment

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