What is Art Therapy? (in a nutshell)

Art therapy is a form of psycho-therapy using art-making, especially the process and experience of art-making, to improve the person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being, assisting in mental health, methods of coping, problem-solving, self-understanding and personal insight.

Engagement in art therapy assists in the expression of emotions and thoughts, and through the creative expression enables the client to outwardly express their inner experiences to assists in emotional release, thoughts and feelings. Art Therapy assists in attaining distance on challenging situations and to view the situations from an alternative perspective (Lorz Zitzmann & Kandé Staehelin, 2012). The creative outlet makes emotional expression less threatening and easier to cope with for the client, assisting their emotional release within a safe, containing framework and non-evaluative environment.

Art Therapy involves interaction, exploration and expression with various creative methods and creative materials, and the therapy session is accompanied by a trained and licensed registered Art Therapist. Art making within the therapeutic setting activates imagination and motivation, it can create a sense of relief from reality, reducing the pressure from fearful and threatening thoughts, thereby enabling to work through difficult life situations.

The creative product and reflection upon the creative process can function as a form of release in that the client knows that their expression is acknowledged and valued, enhancing their feelings of worth, enhancing a sense of purpose and pride, as well as heightening self- esteem.

Art therapy provides an opportunity for personal and authentic self-expression, functioning as a therapeutic and safe means for emotional engagement, and utilised as a personal growth tool.

Artworks become an outlet for emotions, for untold stories, for developing ideas, for new insights and inner workings.

The creative process assists in making sense of the world, developing self-awareness, and formation of identity.

The aims of creative expression within the arts therapies is to

• address emotional, cognitive and psychosocial needs,

• offer a sense of control and coping through difficult life transitions and events,

• reduce stress, anxiety, and improve moods, as therapeutic art making is relaxing and promotes a sense of well-being,

• encourage a positive outlet for emotions of stressful and often fear-induced situations,

• encourage and inspire communication,

• develop and support self-expression,

• foster self-efficacy and autonomy through learning creative skills,

• foster a sense of pride, confidence, accomplishment, self-esteem and self-worth,

• develop and strengthen self-reflection,

• strengthen creative thinking, divergent thinking and problem solving skills,

• calm the mind, body and soul.