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ART THERAPY

What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a recognized form of therapy that uses artmaking as a “language” to express thoughts and feelings. It allows for pictures to see what is happening on the inside and is a way of “listening with the eyes”.
 

It is very natural to use art as a way to communicate because our earliest experiences of thinking, way before we had words were in pictures.
 

Is there any scientific basis for art therapy?

Evidence-based and practice-based research is well established in all the arts therapies including visual art therapy, dance and movement therapy, drama-therapy and music therapy.

 

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Why I love art therapy?

I believe art therapy to be one of the most effective ways of working with people and I am always amazed at its incredible power to heal and communicate things we just do not have the words for.  I use art therapy quite often, even with my couples and most clients enjoy the experience, even those who don’t see themselves as creative or think they "can't draw"!
 

Do you have to be artistic?

Often people feel a little shy or self conscious about making art.  Art therapy has nothing to do with being “artistic” but is about an experience of discovery and expression using art to communicate.

I encourage my clients to have a go and see what happens. Usually they are quite surprised by what happens!

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What are the advantages of art therapy?

ï‚·It safely and gently helps communicate traumatic experiences that cannot be spoken about or even remembered.

ï‚·- Helps people to better understand their feelings and clarify their     issues.

ï‚·- Relieves tension and is calming.

ï‚·- It helps express feelings that may be difficult to put into in words.

 - Makes visible what is unseen and below the surface.

 

Art making helps the different parts of the brain to connect and “rewire” to create new pathways. Art therapy can also help partners to express their needs and feelings in a way that can be clearly "seen and understood by the other.

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How does it work?

I will always ask if use art to explore feelings or an issue is ok. If the answer is “yes”, then I may suggest an art exercise or invite a client  to use the art materials provided in my studio/room and you go ahead and draw, paint, use clay or magazine pictures. I allow the process to unfold as naturally as possible but will let you know when it is time to finish so we have enough time to talk about what you have made. I also use "somatic" art therapy which focusses on using the movement of a crayon (held in each hand) on paper to release sensations or emotions stored in the body or to create a movement that is soothing or comforting.

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Can I do art therapy online?

Yes! You will just need to buy a few basic and affordable art materials and use the full screen of a PC. 

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If you would like to find out more about how art therapy could benefit you then book a free 20 minute phone consult to find out more.

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