Art therapy
Art Therapy
Are you experiencing difficulty talking about your experiences and feelings? Have you had a traumatic experience you find difficult to put in words? Do you feel not motivated or too shy to talk?
Art therapy involves a variety of visual arts, for example painting, clay, crafts, collage, photography and writing as a way of understanding and expressing feelings and thoughts.
Art Therapy may be provided for groups or individuals depending on people's needs.
The greek word for drawing "ζωγραφίζω" could give the meaning of art therapy in a single word, as it is translated "I draw my life". Experiences from the past and present, dreams and fears for the future, thoughts, problems, ideas, anger, love and confusion can all be put on a piece of paper, on the floor, on the wall or elsewhere with the use of brushes, pens, clay, crafts or even just your hands!
Who consults an art therapist?
People who chose art therapy often suffer from depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, panic attacks, or they are frustrated and feel lost and weak because of sudden changes in their professional or personal life.
The children I work with have strong and persistent emotions, frequent outbursts of anger or social withdrawal. Children with autism, dyslexia and children can also benefit from creative art therapy.
What is the role of a therapist?
By using both hemispheres (the right hemisphere works with images and the left with logic and words) art therapy breaks and reveals our deepest thoughts and experiences.
The role of the art therapist is to encourage and direct the discovery of these thoughts as well as the ways to cope with them through the image created by the client. This triangular relationship (the therapist-the client-the image) also differs from other therapies and makes art therapy so unique.
More specifically, the role of the art therapist is:
Understanding the art process (use of art materials, significance of colours, size, proportion and relative position of component parts, missing parts)
Analysing the creations through questions
Reflecting on ideas and emotions.
Using verbal and non verbal communication (observing body language and listening to what is said)
Providing a trusting and facilitating environment in which we are able to safely express ourselves (meeting at the same time, same place with the same people)
Offering confidentiality (respecting and following the code of ethics)
Do I need therapy?
Art Therapy is recommended when there is distress in one or more following parts of our life:
Family or relationship issues
Work or school issues
Personal or family health issues
Changes in at least one of all the above
Unresolved issues from the past (repressed emotions for a long time)
This distress usually comes with some of the following symptoms:
Stress
Insomnia
Fatigue
Rage
Anger
Resentment
Social withdrawal
What are the typical phases of a therapy cycle
Following are the typical self-awareness Cycles in Art therapy
Plonger dans la créativité (exprimer-toi avec le journal créatif)
Oser explorer la créativité, se détendre (pas de thèmes ou des thèmes abstraits)
Identity issues (how you see yourself and how others see you)
Family issues (dynamics between the family members and how they have affected you)
Relationship issues-couple-friendship-work (emotional intelligence)
Emotions-defence mechanisms (understanding-expressing-accepting)
Dreams for the future (hope-positive thinking-action)
Communication and conflict resolution (decision making)
Common stories of people in therapy?
I live in social isolation-A thought is stuck into my mind; I get seriously ill. I am shaking in fear. I am swetting and feel my heart beating fast...
I need someone to take care of me-I am always giving to others asking nothing in return... and they exploit it.
I find no purpose in life-I stay in bed. I do not see the reason to do stuff...
I have difficulty to fit in ... i feel that others criticize me constantly.
I often argue with others ..at moments I am too weak to stop and find myself having said things I regret...
I am not pleased with my body
My job is not fullfilling any more
Often, I drink a lot- I cannot resist it, it makes me feel better...
What are the basic forms of psychotherapy?
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
It is a form of therapy based on psychoanalytic therapy. The frequency of sessions is usually once a week and the treatment is completed in a shorter period of time than psychoanalysis, always depending on the therapeutic goals.
Through free association, the individual brings to the surface issues and feelings of the past, present and future that concern them. Particular emphasis is placed on childhood and the search for patterns of behavior and thoughts that repeat themselves. The unconscious becomes conscious gradually and the potential defense mechanisms developed over time unfold.
In this process, the role of transference is of great importance, when the treated person redirects feelings for a parent or partner to the psychotherapist, but also of countertransference, the therapist's feelings towards the treated person.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
During this form of therapy the person realizes that it is not the situations that create the various problems but the way we manage and interpret these situations.
Its basic principle is that every behavior is the result of learning and that in order to change it we must modify it through a new learning process (the so-called learning theories).
Finally, this form of treatment seeks outcomes, which are objectively measurable, for example, how many times the person has managed to overcome their phobia of giving a public speech, being in a stressful environment, speaking with confidence to his boss etc.
Humanitarian
Humanistic psychotherapy is influenced by humanistic philosophy and Marxism, where the individual is responsible for their own choices.
Unlike other treatments, the focus is on the person's present rather than their past, while emphasizing the strengths and the development of their potential. Each person is unique and valuable regardless of whether their action is positive or negative. The aim of the treatment is self-awareness, which can help to ilife's improvement.
There is already a lot of therapy that falls under the humanistic spectrum, such as anthropocentric and Gestalt therapy.
Combined or holistic treatment
This form of therapy is based on the relationship between mind, body and spirit and encourages self-acceptance rather than change.
The aim of the treatment is for the person to relax, reduce their resistances and release their fears.
What is the secret to succesful therapy?
The empathy of your therapist is undoubtedly the most important element for a successful therapeutic relationship. Understanding and feeling what the patient is experiencing, even when in disagreement, while showing openness and tolerance, are aspects that shape the course of therapy.
Staying focused on the goals we have set, while helping my patient regain their autonomy, is one of my guiding principles. The treatment goes through different stages, such as awareness of the situation, acceptance, and mourning linked to a loss, difficulty, or trauma. My role is to guide you safely while remaining focused on our goal.
Another secret to successful therapeutic work is the patient's willingness to face the problems that brought them to therapy. You may find it difficult to see a way out at the beginning of the treatment, but those who are most determined transform their lives by creating the right conditions for effective therapy.
Patience is essential, and healing takes time. You may not see immediate changes, but each session contributes to your well-being. Remember, the process is as important as the results.
Finally, a good rapport, often referred to as "chemistry" between the therapist and the patient, is also crucial for building trust and establishing an honest and cohesive relationship, which fosters the success of the therapy.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist is a mental health professional with a degree in psychiatry or psychology who has studied psychotherapy (usually postgraduate) and has followed several years of internships or clinical experience in this field under the supervision of an experienced psychotherapist.
In some European countries, psychotherapy is taught at postgraduate level and is also offered to graduates of schools of humanities and social sciences such as sociologists or specialist educators.
In practice a psychologist has the academic basis to study the human mind and soul. As an expert he can work in various fields, from human resources to marketing and advertising. After specialisation he can act as a specialist therapist.
A well-trained psychologist can help you understand your problem and its causes, your motivations and your emotions. He or she may then refer you to a specialist for treatment and counseling support.
A psychotherapist uses the tools he acquired during his specialisation (visual, behavioral, hypnosis, etc.) to help you provide solutions to your problem. Its purpose is to help you express yourself, to discuss, to process what you say (or your artistic creation) and finally to feel able to face (or even change) your reality through self-knowledge and self-confidence.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychotherapist?
A psychotherapist is a mental health professional with a degree in psychiatry or psychology who has studied psychotherapy (usually postgraduate) and has followed several years of internships or clinical experience in this field under the supervision of an experienced psychotherapist.
In some European countries, psychotherapy is taught at postgraduate level and is also offered to graduates of schools of humanities and social sciences such as sociologists or specialist educators.
In practice a psychologist has the academic basis to study the human mind and soul. As an expert he can work in various fields, from human resources to marketing and advertising. After specialisation he can act as a specialist therapist.
A well-trained psychologist can help you understand your problem and its causes, your motivations and your emotions. He or she may then refer you to a specialist for treatment and counseling support.
A psychotherapist uses the tools he acquired during his specialisation (visual, behavioral, hypnosis, etc.) to help you provide solutions to your problem. Its purpose is to help you express yourself, to discuss, to process what you say (or your artistic creation) and finally to feel able to face (or even change) your reality through self-knowledge and self-confidence.
In their own words
Relationships
I fight with my mum / I don't get on well with my parents / I am angry and loose easily my temper with my family / My parents were never there for me / I fight with my husband all the time / I cannot communicate with my partner anymore / I do not have time for myself / I always take care of others / I cannot say no / I always feel victim
Wellbeing
I can't sleep well / I am always tired / I cry all the time / I am always stressed / I am not motivated to do anything
Personal awareness
I am very shy / I can't stand criticism / I think people don't like me / I think people talk about me / I hesitate to talk to others / I don't like my body / I drink too much / One of my loved ones suffers
Code of ethics
Choosing an art therapist is not so easy. Understanding, trust, confidentiality and a friendly atmosphere are some of the ingredients that build a successful therapeutic relationship. However, do not underestimate the typical qualifications that your therapist should have.
My approach
I believe on the empowerment and empathy of the person involved in the therapeutic process. This is typical of the humanistic person-centered approach that focuses on the present, the self-expression and the potentials of all individuals.
My experience
Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
Royal Blind School, Edinburgh, UK
Enheten för Psykosomatisk Medicin, Västerås, Sweden
CERN Welcome Club