What is Art Therapy?

What is art therapy?
Art is used as a medium to help us process and explore feelings and experiences. It can be a really powerful tool for processing and can be used as a coping tool in itself. Sometimes we don't have the words to express what we are going through, and art allows us an alternate way to communicate. We may use it to dive deeper into a theme or to enhance self exploration.

Who can participate?
Art therapy is not about making fine art or something that is aesthetically pleasing. Anyone can participate in art therapy even if they don’t have current art skills. Art therapy is about the process, not the product.

Benefits of art therapy:
Art therapy is beneficial for those who experience anxiety or the effects of trauma. Many of my clients come to therapy looking for solutions and believe they will feel better once they "fix" their problems. They often begin to realize that what they need is to slow down and take time to learn how to listen to their bodies. Unlearning takes time and a lot of self compassion! Using art, I may encourage you to practice this by beginning to allow yourself to focus on the present moment, utilizing mindfulness techniques while challenging tendencies to intellectualize, ruminate, and overthink. Together, we can make a shift of getting out of your mind and into your body!

Neuroscience and art therapy:
Creative expression can raise serotonin levels. This can positively impact stress responses, sleep, improve mood and overall wellbeing, and reduce anxiety and depression. Art boosts cognitive ability by impacting emotions and the nervous system.

What do sessions look like?
I believe in the healing power of art, and I support this process for all individuals regardless of experience level. We are all artists, and I help to minimize any intimidation that may occur during the art-making process. Utilizing art therapy techniques that are tailored to your specific needs, we can begin to heal and restore through self-expression and exploration.