Art Therapy is great!

I use Art Therapy with kids often because they are naturally creative and it helps them to express themselves where words may not be best. Children may not have enough language skills to be engaged in a verbal therapy process and may find talking less interesting. Art therapy can be used to help with communication and expression when there are limitations in verbal communication. The process of psychotherapy can be very revealing and powerful through the images and art products created, and at the same time gentler and less intrusive for the client. Therefore, with adults too, who prefer gentler approach or who are creative it can work very well. I offer usually basic art materials like crayons, markers, paints and clay and these art materials symbolize offering a nurture in addition to therapeutic relationship and environment. There is a lot of opportunity for self-expression, reflection, growing and learning though art process. Art therapy is great for everyone, children, adolescents and adults. It also feels very relaxing and soothing. No artistic skills required, everyone can be creative and do art. The art is not judged, it does not have to be aesthetic. in fact lots of blocked material can be released and let go. It can surprise one to see themselves make art in art therapy and get to know themselves better.

How does therapy work?

We sit together, therapist’s presence and a safe room create space for the client, a container for psychotherapy to take place. This therapeutic environment allows for trust and safety where conversations and creations can occur for growth, for process to talk, to think, to understand, to arrive at revelations, new learning and solutions. In the session a therapist is nonjudgmental, confidential, emphatic and present just for the client. This safe space and therapist’s emphatic presence create environment for healing and change. Actively listening, trusting and understanding therapist guides the session for the client to self-discovery, for growth, to gain new understandings and meanings. I am not an expert on your life, you are, but I am trained to help you explore to help you choose and clarify what’s best for you. We co-create together, I can share some insights and check in with you if they work and if you can apply them to your problems and challenges in your life. Through our therapeutic relationship growth happens.