What is Art Therapy/Psychotherapy?
Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication. The relationship between the therapist and the client is of central importance, but art therapy differs from other psychological therapies in that it is a three way process between the client, the therapist and the image or artifact. It offers the opportunity for expression and communication and can be particularly helpful to people who find it hard to express their thoughts and feelings verbally.
Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly and is provided in groups or individually, depending on clients’ needs. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses.
Art Therapy with Children & Young people.
Art Therapy can be used to help children and young people who may be experiencing a range of difficulties such as bereavement, poor self-esteem or self-confidence, bullying, family breakdown, low mood, anxiety, behavioural difficulties or problems related to abuse, neglect and trauma.
Creating art work and play can be a natural alternative to verbal communication. Sometimes it is hard for young people to understand or explain their feelings. It is often easier to represent thoughts or sensitive issues by drawing, painting or by being creative. Art in this way can both help a child or young person make sense of their emotions, and allow you as parents or carers to gain a greater understanding of how your child might be feeling.
For children a taster session will be offered initially; followed by a recommended block of six weekly sessions, and a review session with your child and parents/carers. Because every child’s needs differ, some may only need a short series of sessions, whereas for others particularly when there are complex difficulties, a longer series of sessions may be needed. Parents and carers are an important part of the process and as such will be consulted and communicated with before, during and after your child’s therapy.
Do you have to be good at art?
Clients who are referred to an art therapist need not have experience or skill in art. The art therapist is not primarily concerned with making an aesthetic or diagnostic assessment of the client’s image. The overall aim of its practitioners is to enable a client to change and grow on a personal level through the use of art materials in a safe and facilitating environment.It is not a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.
Background Information
Although influenced by psychoanalysis, art therapists have been inspired by theories such as attachment-based psychotherapy and have developed a broad range of client-centered approaches such as psycho-educational, mindfulness and mentalization-based treatments, compassion-focused and cognitive analytic therapies, and socially engaged practice. Importantly, art therapy practice has evolved to reflect the cultural and social diversity of the people who engage in it.
To find out more about Art Therapy, visit the British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) website – http://www.baat.org
Art Therapy North 