Art Therapy

Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that employs the use of a variety of art materials such as paints, markers, and chalk in the treatment of patients. In some cases, art therapy might also include the use of photography or other forms of visual art expression that may be helpful in allowing patients to tap into their creativity and self-expression.

Art therapy is a true mental health profession, and sessions generally take place in clinical settings. In some cases, however, art therapy sessions might also be conducted in art studios or special workshops. Practitioners of art therapy must be licensed mental health professionals, so it is important to actively look for these credentials before enrolling in an art therapy counseling program.

Professionals who specialize in art therapy treat adults and children individually, but may also provide some group or family sessions for those who are interested in this type of treatment. For example, families who are having difficulty with a child who will not talk to them, or who simply does not show any interest in participating in social activities, might benefit from becoming involved in a family therapy session.

The principal belief of art therapy is that the creative process of developing art in any medium is not only healing, but also enhances one’s life. For patients who participate in art therapy, drawing, painting, and sculpting are routinely used methods. In addition, there are other artistic techniques that can be utilized to aid those who have developmental problems, emotional issues, or physical impairments.

The specific materials and art forms that are selected for each patient are carefully chosen by the therapist so that each patient’s needs can best be met. Regardless of the particular creative process that is chosen, therapists aim to achieve certain therapeutic goals when starting a patient in an art therapy program. These goals are usually discussed and agreed upon between therapist and patient prior to the start of any program.

It is difficult to pinpoint a typical length of time for art therapy sessions. For the most part, the total amount of time that an individual will spend going through art therapy sessions will depend upon his or her own needs. Therapists and their patients, of course, discuss the various treatment options that the therapists feel would be best for their patients prior to beginning any type of treatment program.

Tags: addiction recovery, therapy