Art Psychotherapy...
Firstly what is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a powerful form of therapy which looks at how our informative years within childhood shape who we are. It focuses on understanding what is going on "underneath" a presenting problem and it helps make links between our unconscious (subconscious) and conscious mind.
Psychotherapy allows for exploration and understanding of the root cause rather than solely focusing on symptom management. Understanding these connections can empower us to break habits, let go of unhelpful thoughts and feelings, process difficult experiences and form new ways of living. The therapeutic relationship is really important in psychotherapy and creates a sense of safety, trust and acceptance to explore difficult thoughts and feelings.
How is Art psychotherapy Different?
Art Psychotherapy works in a similar way but with the additional tool of using art materials to explore; "a picture tells a thousand words". Art psychotherapy is not about being good at art or trying to be, it is just a really powerful tool to help figure out difficult thoughts and feelings. I do not teach or "interpret" artwork but we do use it as a way to analyse what is going on. We can also use themes to direct the therapy. I have also written a blog on how art psychotherapy can be a useful therapy
Some key beneficial differences of Art Psychotherapy:
You don't have to be good at art or want to be
It can feel less intimidating as there is less direct eye contact
It creates a visual diary of the therapeutic journey and progress
It can be a vehicle or scape goat for difficult thoughts and feelings
It is not reliant on finding the right words to express yourself
It allows for unknown thoughts and feelings to come to the surface
Want to find out more? If you still have more questions to understand how I work with individual adults, young people/children or how I might work in your school then why don't you drop me a message to organise a free phone call?