Art Therapy
Art therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy facilitated by a clinical art therapist. Through both verbal and non-verbal means, an art therapist encourages individuals to use the creative process for the expression and exploration of concerns, thoughts, and feelings. Although this can occur directly, students contending with learning disabilities and/or unresolved issues of loss or trauma more frequently utilize the safety of symbolism and metaphor. Unconscious or emotionally charged material is accessed in a way that is often less threatening to the student than verbal means alone. Intense, destructive, or maladaptive thoughts and feelings can be expressed appropriately and productively through the creative process. Furthermore, therapeutic art-making provides countless opportunities for the development of adaptive coping skills. Art therapy improves insight, provides a release for repressed feelings, and often gives the student a sense of mastery over who they are and what they will become.
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The artwork created in art therapy allows for. . .
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Expression of a range of feelings
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Exploration of adolescent developmental concerns.
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Expression of painful or traumatic feelings and experiences
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Working through the loss and longing associated with placement outside of the home
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Containers as symbolic holding places for strong feelings
and internal conflict
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Other important things to know about art therapy at Accotink:
- Art therapists are not art teachers
- Art therapy is not always fun, nor is the art product always pleasant to look at
- There are no definitive symbols or images by which to "interpret" artwork
- The process of making the artwork is often more important than the final product
- Students may or may not wish to share their finished artwork outside art therapy