What is Art Therapy?
“Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Art therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change” (American Art Therapy Association, 2017).
Almond Blossoms of Hope, LLC defines the process of engaging in Art Therapy as a way of expressing one’s thoughts, feelings-emotions, and/or experiences through the use of art materials. The artwork can be abstract or more realistic in style. Which, can look like a drawing, painting, or a three-Dimensional representation. There is no right or wrong, nor judgment of artistic abilities, creativity, or aesthetics while exploring this therapeutic process. Art materials are used by the individual to create images, symbols, and/or metaphors. This process allows for self-expression and a means to meet individualized therapeutic goals established mutually among the client and the therapist.
The following materials can be used during an art therapy session: drawing media such as pencils, colored pencils, markers, oil pastels, & chalk; other materials include paint; clay; books; magazines; photography; found objects, etc.
Art therapy services are used in a variety of settings:
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Hospitals (medical and mental health)
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Schools and other educational settings
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Clinics
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Residential facilities
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Retirement communities