Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a specialized area of mental health that uses art materials and the creative process to explore emotions, reduce anxiety, increase self-esteem, lessen depression, address the effects of trauma (recent or childhood), including Post-traumatic stress disorder and resolve other psychological conflicts.
Like Talk Therapy, it is a means of connecting with emotions only instead of words, creative expression becomes the outlet. The purpose of Art Therapy is essentially one of healing. Some people find it difficult to speak openly about themselves or they feel shy or intimidated talking to someone new. Using art materials gives a way to communicate with your counsellor with less talking and as you become more comfortable you may incorporate more talking.
You do not need to be talented to do art therapy and you need not be “afraid” of expressing yourself through art.
Though it may seem different and unnatural at first, it is typically because the individual is not used to communicating via the arts. The creative process can be one of the most rewarding aspects.
Coupled with an art therapist you should gradually, if not immediately, feel comfortable with this new found expression. After all, the goal is not about how the art looks, but how the process & the finished art piece makes you feel.
