"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."
– Helen Keller
Art psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy where art materials are offered to expand one’s means of expression. No previous experience or expertise in image making is needed to start art psychotherapy. Interest in using art materials for self expression is enough.
Persistent low mood, loss of interest in things that earlier have been a source of joy, difficulty in relaxing, excessive worry or rumination, troublesome relationship with oneself or one´s body, or difficulty in facing emotions are examples of challenges that can be treated in art psychotherapy.
Art Psychotherapy
WHY IS ART USED IN THERAPY?
For some people it may be easier to interact with another person through images than through talking face to face.
Art making provides a safe way to explore oneself and develop greater self-awareness. Through images it is possible to give thoughts a visible form, which can be shared with others.
Sometimes it may be difficult to find words for emotions. Images allow for metaphorical expression. The language of images can help to clarify thoughts and feelings and perceive one´s life situation from a new perspective.
Making images is a multifaceted process. Using art materials can help one discover new strengths, abilities and growth within. Creative work in the therapeutic setting can also provide an opportunity to explore different ways of being and doing things.
Sometimes feelings may get drowned in talk and intellectualisation. As image making is experiental and affects many senses it can help identify subtle needs and wishes overwhelmed by words.
Images are concrete objects, documents of the therapeutic work, which can be returned to and reflected upon.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
The Association for Art Psychotherapists in Finland
http://www.kuvataidepsykoterapia.fi
BAAT, The British Association of Art Therapists
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