Art Therapy
Art therapy encourages creative expression through painting, drawing, or modelling. It can work by providing a person with a safe space to express their feelings and allow them to feel more in control over their life.
Encouraging Creative Expression Through Art Therapy
Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses art and other artistic mediums to help people explore and express their thoughts and emotions in a unique way.
The idea is to use art as a way of communicating. Art therapy can be useful if you find it difficult to say what you are feeling, particularly if you are experiencing confusing or distressing emotions. The act of using physical objects, such as paintbrushes and paper, may also help you to feel more connected to the world around you.
You do not have to be an artist or even “good at art” to benefit from art therapy. This form of treatment is more than an art class or just something to keep people occupied. Art therapy uses the power of the arts and different modes of communication to get people to open up and engage with their therapy in new ways, which can enhance healing of all kinds.
What is Art Therapy?
Unlike many other forms of psychological therapy, art therapy works as a three-way process between you, your therapist, and the art itself. Providing an opportunity for creativity, this type of therapy can help you to express and explore your emotions that may otherwise be difficult to put into words.
Art therapy sessions can work on either a one-to-one basis or within a group depending on your specific needs. During each session, you can be as involved (or uninvolved) as you like. If you are in a group setting, you may simply wish to sit back and observe for the first session or two. Before you start therapy, you will have a consultation with your therapist so you can discuss what has brought you to art therapy and what you hope to gain from your sessions.
Donna Marie Thomas
Hello, my name is Donna, I am a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and Registered Member of BACP based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
I have a passion for helping people to enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life via a person centred approach to therapy tailored to meet each individuals specific needs.
Get in touch to find out more or book an appointment with me today.
How Does Art Therapy Work?
People who make art in any form, whether they consider themselves artists or not, are taking part in a process of self-discovery that gives them a safe space to express their feelings. This creative process is enjoyable in its own right, but this is not the only activity that goes on in an art therapy session.
The beauty of art therapy is its versatility. While there is the option to work with paint and canvas, there are many other mediums to choose from for example:
- Painting
- Crayons or chalk
- Sculpting
- Drawing or illustrating
- Photography
- Doodling and scribbling
- Collaging
Although these exercises take place under the guidance of an art therapist, what emerges should be your unfiltered responses. Understanding these responses can promote mental health and well-being.
Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy?
The versatility of art therapy makes it accessible to a wide range of people. It can be particularly beneficial to those who have found it difficult to express themselves through other forms of talking therapy.
People who may particularly benefit from art therapy include the following:
- People who have experienced trauma, such as abuse, combat or a natural disaster
- People with significant health challenges, including traumatic brain injuries and cancer
- People with depression, autism, and dementia
- People living with chronic pain
In addition, experts say that it may be useful for people living with other conditions, such as:
- Stress and anxiety
- Eating disorders, alongside standard treatments
- Substance use disorders
Art therapy can also help enhance specific skills by:
- Improving your approach to conflict resolution
- Enhancing social skills
- Managing stress
- Strengthening your ability to self-regulate
- Improving their understanding of themselves
How Innerworth Counselling Can Help
Art therapy can provide you with a creative and accessible way of expressing your feelings and processing your experiences in a safe, compassionate and confidential space.
Take the First Step Now
I offer private art therapy, and take a person-centred approach, meaning that I’m non-judgemental, see clients as equals, and collaborate on your healing journey together.
If you feel that art therapy could be beneficial for your problems please book an initial consultation. You don’t have to prepare for this, just come as you are and we can look into how I might be able to help.
Additional Information
Here are some links that you may find helpful:
NHS
www.nhs.uk
Mind
The team at Mind provide information on a range of mental health problems.
www.mind.org.uk
Contact me today to book a confidential consulation
What My Clients Say
Jason Osborne
I shall be forever bewildered by the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. I had always remained sceptical until my very last session, then the “weight” that suddenly lifted was both physical and emotional and continues to benefit both myself and those around me three years on – thank you Donna.
Jason Osborne
Abigail Johnson
I’ve finally found a solution to my dependency on food. Your weight-loss therapy sessions have seriously transformed my life. Honestly, I could cry, I am so happy and feel like a totally new person, inside and out! Truly amazing Donna.
Abigail Johnson
Charlotte Dickinson
I went to see Donna because my anxiety and depression had spiralled out of control. I now have skills and techniques that I can use for the rest of my life to help me cope with any challenges. Thoroughly recommend psychotherapy from Innerworth Counselling. Donna is warm, professional and clearly passionate about what she does.