What is Art Therapy?

ART THERAPY

Art therapy is a style of mental healtimg_5449h therapy in which clients use art media and the creative process  to explore their feelings and reconcile emotional conflicts. A goal in art therapy is to improve or restore a client’s functioning and his or her sense of personal well-being.  People of all ages can benefit from art therapy.

Art Therapy can also foster self-awareness, help manage behaviors and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.  An individual does not have to be an artist to receive the benefits of art therapy; people with little to no art experience learn about themselves through the process of doing art rather than focusing on the product of the art.

Who can benefit from Art Therapy?

Art therapy is an effective treatment for people experiencing developmental, medical, educational, and social or psychological impairment. Individuals who benefit from art therapy include those who have survived trauma resulting from combat, abuse, and natural disaster; persons with adverse physical health conditions such as cancer, traumatic brain injury, and other health disability; and persons with autism, dementia, depression, and other disorders. Art therapy helps people resolve conflicts, improve interpersonal skills, manage problematic behaviors, reduce negative stress, and achieve personal insight. Art therapy also provides an opportunity to enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of art making.   Art Therapy is beneficial for children, adolescents, and adults.

*information on this page is obtained from the American Art Therapy Associationhttp://arttherapy.org/

Here’s what some of Patti’s kids have to say about ART THERAPY!

  • ” I LIKE SEEING PATTI BECAUSE SHE TALKS TO ME like a person, not a kid.”
  • “It makes me feel comfortable knowing that my secrets are kept.”
  • “I have a lot of time to spend with Patti and I am able to tell her what’s happening in my life.”
  • “I like coming to therapy because it’s not boring, you don’t just sit in a room.”
  • “I use clay and paint, and wood burning and we draw together and do a lot of art things.  There’s just so much I can do and not be bored. Doing art helps me to concentrate on me and what I need to talk about. And I like to do art!”
  • “I like coming ’cause we do art stuff.  It helps me to come here because it’s not boring and I can talk to her, the art helps release stuff inside me.”

For more information on Art Therapy, please contact Patti at 414.429.6403