What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that combines therapy with creative expression. Unlike talk therapy, it uses artmaking as a tool for the healthy expression of emotions, feelings and lived experiences. It helps when words fail and is more experiential than verbal.
Art therapy can help with expressing and processing negative experiences, feelings and emotions. Talking about your creation provides a great opportunity to learn more about yourself, develop coping strategies and gain personal insight. During sessions, my clients say they experience positive self-growth and emotional release. Their creativity is often sparked.
Art therapy has deep roots in modern psychotherapy. Although it was formally considered a therapy in the ’50s, it has been around for hundreds of years. Many famous psychologists have stated that artmaking is an amazing way to express oneself and that it’s good for mental health and our soul. Carl Jung, Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers all promoted art-making in their writings but the clever psychotherapist, Margaret Naumberg was the grandmother of art therapy. Way to rock Grandma Naumberg! Despite some people using the term “art therapy” it is not simply art class or art making. Those things do feel therapeutic, but art therapy only happens between a trained art therapist and a client.
What Kind of Things and Who Does Art Therapy Support?
Art therapy is not limited to the aspects listed below; many therapists practice differently, tailoring their approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. This versatility makes art therapy a powerful tool for addressing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges.
- Anxiety: Art therapy serves as a constructive method for individuals to manage their anxiety. By concentrating on creating art, clients can shift their focus from anxious thoughts and develop problem-solving skills. The process encourages self-compassion, allowing individuals to be more understanding of their own experiences.
- Depression: For individuals experiencing depression, art therapy provides a means to express feelings that may be challenging to articulate. Engaging in creative activities can improve mood and provide a sense of accomplishment. Elements within the art may reveal insights, acting as catalysts for hope and personal growth. Discussing the artwork with a therapist can provide understanding into the client’s emotional state and contribute to the healing process.
- Trauma: Art therapy is an effective tool for trauma recovery. It enables clients to express traumatic experiences non-verbally, which can be less intimidating than verbal expression. Art creation facilitates the processing and integration of these experiences, promoting resilience and healing.
- Grief: Grief can be intense, but art therapy offers an outlet for expressing sorrow and loss. Through art, clients can honor their loved ones and explore their grief tangibly. Creating art allows for tribute to loved ones and provides a secure space for grieving, which they may lack at home. This process assists individuals in navigating their grief and finding a path toward healing.
- Processing Negative Life Events: Art therapy aids individuals in processing negative life events by offering a creative medium for expression. Clients can visually represent their experiences, gaining new perspectives and understanding. This can lead to emotional release and development of coping strategies.
- Improving Self-Esteem: Creating art can enhance self-esteem. The act of making and completing artwork provides a sense of achievement and pride. Art therapy helps clients appreciate their strengths and abilities, fostering a positive self-image.
- Enhancing Communication Skills: Art therapy can improve communication skills, particularly for those who struggle with verbal expression. Through art, clients can convey their thoughts and emotions effectively. Discussing the artwork with a therapist also enhances verbal communication.
- Fostering Emotional Resilience: Art therapy promotes emotional resilience by assisting clients in navigating their emotions. Engaging in art-making allows individuals to process feelings and develop coping strategies, which translates into better management of life’s challenges.
- Managing Chronic Pain: Art therapy can be useful for managing chronic pain. Although it is not a medical pain reliever, it helps individuals become more attuned to themselves. This mindfulness regarding physical sensations can aid in coping with pain more effectively. The creative process distracts from pain and fosters a sense of control, helping clients express their pain and find ways to cope emotionally.
- Chronic Medical Issues: For individuals with chronic medical conditions, art therapy provides a method to cope with their situation. Creating art offers emotional relief and a sense of normalcy. It enables clients to express their experiences and emotions related to their condition. Art therapy assists individuals in managing fear and disappointment associated with chronic medical issues, providing a secure environment for emotional expression and exploration, leading to healthier coping mechanisms.
What Does an Art Therapy Session Look Like?
An art therapy session with a registered therapist can be online or in person, tailored to the client’s needs and goals. Art therapists work with clients of all ages facing various mental health issues. In a session, they discuss the client’s history and objectives. The therapist may use materials like clay, pastels, markers, or paint for artistic expression. No artistic skill is needed; the focus is on self-expression through art.
After creating their artwork, clients discuss its meaning with the therapist, potentially uncovering hidden emotions and gaining personal insights. It may provide an outlet for stress and emotional expression. The therapist asks questions about the art and may suggest educational readings, coping tools, or activities like journaling. Each session is personalized, and clients usually take their artwork home afterward.
What Training is Required for an Art Therapist in Ontario?
In Ontario, art therapists must be accredited by a recognized school that offers specialized training in art therapy. Art therapists may belong to the Canadian Art Therapy Association or the Ontario Art Therapy Association. Many art therapists in Ontario also hold qualifications as psychotherapists. This dual qualification allows clients to claim their therapy sessions through insurance plans or as a tax deduction on their income taxes. To practice as both a psychotherapist and an art therapist in Ontario, individuals must meet the guidelines and qualifications set by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). This ensures that art therapists possess the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and effective therapy.
Aspiring art therapists should be aware of online courses that claim to offer certification in art therapy but are not recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). It is important to research thoroughly to ensure that any course meets CRPO standards. Accredited programs provide the training and credentials required for registration with the CRPO, ensuring that practitioners have the proper skills and knowledge to practice professionally and ethically.
About The Art Therapist, Heather Caruso
Heather Caruso is a compassionate, skilled, and intuitive trauma therapist, registered psychotherapist, narcissistic abuse treatment clinician and art therapist. She offers a unique blend of therapeutic approaches to help her clients navigate their healing journeys. Heather’s deep empathy and expertise create a safe and nurturing environment for those dealing with a mental health issue. Her areas of expertise are trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress management, grief, and navigating big life changes. Heather offers in person sessions in Guelph ON and online session for people from Ontario.
To support individuals in finding the right therapeutic path, looking for a trauma therapist near me, she offers a free Zoom chat where people can ask questions and determine if her therapy services are a good fit for their needs. To book an appointment, click the button below.