Art therapy heals
Are you eager to try a different approach to healing? Art Therapy is a profoundly powerful form of therapy that can be combined with almost any psychotherapeutic approach to enhance its effectiveness. It is inherently integrative by nature as it combines psychology and art. Create Wellbeing Therapy Collective practices Integrative Art Therapy as a core modality for psychological integration. Neurological research indicates that the use of expressive arts modalities activates right-brain functioning, this can allow for access to implicit memories stored outside of awareness. In a supportive art therapy setting, both left and right brain hemispheres are engaged to process emotional material. This allows for bilateral integration of the brain, which one of the most effective ways to support healing, as it reduces reactive responses.
What is art therapy?
Art Therapy is defined by Cathy Malchiodi, Ph.D., as: Art + Therapy = Process + Product. In the field of art therapy, providers fall generally into one of two categories: Art as therapy providers or art psychotherapy providers. Most practice a combination of both approaches, based on the needs of the client at least some of the time.
Art as therapy
Those who practice art as therapy understand that art making is inherently therapeutic. This approach includes those who fit into the expressive arts category, who are healers and skilled at art facilitation. For many, the focus in on the process of art-making itself, the sensory integration and the shared experience of being with others while making art. Some integrate art making and movement, or other forms of expression, such as poetry or song writing. A prompt may be given and art may be shared, but the focus in this approach is not on therapeutic engagement with the product produced, but on the process of creation itself and the experience of the participant.
Art psychotherapy
Art psychotherapy is rooted in the tradition of combining art with psychotherapeutic methods for the purpose of expanding and enhancing their efficacy. Originally developed in the psychoanalytic tradition, art therapy often focuses on the product itself and the meaning that emerges through the art-making process. There is a lot of space given for conversation, and exploration of the content and often secondary art directives are provided in order to facilitate further exploration of material. Art psychotherapy can be integrated into almost any therapy modality, so long as there is enough flexibility in the modality that strict adherence is not essential.
Who can practice art therapy?
Registered Art Therapists are those with the qualifications to practice art therapy and have the designation of “ATR” after their name. In the United States, the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) oversees the qualifications and registration process for becoming a registered art therapist. The standards require completion of a master’s degree in art therapy or a combined program with other graduate level psychotherapy. There is a subsequent accumulation of at least 1000 supervised hours specifically in art therapy prior to becoming an art therapist, as well as ongoing oversight of the registrations of art therapists by the board.
How does create wellbeing practice art therapy?
As with all modalities at Create Wellbeing, art therapy is engaged integratively. This means that art therapy is utilized alongside or combined with other modalities of care. If a therapist is using Internal Family Systems (IFS), art is used to support part identification and communication. When art therapy is used with DBT, art processes may depict a specific skill that is being learned or to engage the skill with greater depth or understanding of barriers. If art therapy is used with CBT, say in the context of exposure response and prevention work, art might be utilized to imagine the event depicted in the intrusive thoughts in order to facilitate greater tolerance of the distressing thoughts.
Do art therapists tell me what my art means?
Art therapists are skilled in the exploratory process of imagery with a patient in a fashion that facilitates healing. Art therapists are trained to look at elements of art within the product itself, but also observe the process of art making, the relationship with the therapist, and the overall experience of artistic expression. Art therapists will strategically focus on what is a safe entry point for the patient in order to produce healing at their current stage of care.
Art processing at home
While Art Therapy is rooted in the connected process between therapist and patient/participant, some art therapists will give “homework” to those seeking to manage emotions during the week through the use of creative expression. In this scenario, it is recommended that the patient obtain an “art journal,” basically a journal without lines, such that both words and imagery can be included. The art therapist can then review the art processes engaged upon during the week for the purpose of connection and awareness. It is important that these spaces are those that help move through emotions and bring insight. In earlier stages of care, it is likely that this process will be recommended only in a fully supported therapy session, and art-at-home will be engaged when there is sufficient ability to manage emotions that may arise in this process.
How do I begin art therapy today?
Reach out to Create Wellbeing Therapy Collective. Integrative Art Therapy is a core modality of care: Get Started.