Art therapy for adults
Art therapy for adults
Art therapy is not only for people facing a difficulty or a great problem. It is for everyone. It helps people relax and enjoy their time experimenting with art while sharing their thoughts and experiences in a safe enviroment. My objective in art therapy is to encourage people explore themselves and boost their confidence and to help them live a better life for them and their families.
During difficult periods (family, health or work issues) art therapy can be un outlet for feelings often hard to express, such as anger, fear or sadness and loss. The contact with the unconscious and the spontaneity, which only creativity can offer, is a unique way of self understanding and perceiving the world differently.
TIP: "Set yourself as an example and start art therapy first" get in touch!
Case study
Emma
Emma 40, is a full time mom with a young child. She enrolls to art therapy because of stress and fatigue. Her body is stiff and she has trouble with sleep too. Her marriage is going through difficult times.
Frequently asked questions
How should I propose to someone to take therapy?
Art therapy can be used as a tool for self discovery or a way to deal with difficult periods in life.
The best ways to propose this type of therapy to a friend or family member are:
Pick a good/relaxing time for both of you and tell them that you are worried about them.
Show empathy, love and care and explain them why you think that they could benefit from seeing an Art therapist.
Remain calm if they claim they do not see the need to see a therapist.
Advice them to go for a trial session (recommend an art therapist you know).
Offer to make the first contact with the therapist on their behalf.
Give them the time to reflect (unless they are a danger to themselves)*.
Set yourself as an example and start art therapy first.
* In this case please consult a medical doctor as soon as possible.
Would it help if I take sessions together with my partner?
The quick answer is "yes, if your partner is happy for you to join".
You may discover that creating together is a new way laying bridges.
Consider taking art therapy if your discussions have been consistently difficult and if you think words are not enough to express yourself and to be understood. Pictures and crafts will perhaps allow you and your partner to express what is at the root of your problem for exemple the fear, the anger, the fatigue...
What is the objective you set as a therapist?
Art therapy uses the creative process to enhance the emotional, mental and physical wellbeing of people of all ages.
Self-expression, self-awarennes, self-acceptance and self-confidence are commonly used as general objectives during the creative therapeutic process. These objectives are interconnected, flexible and adjustable to peoples needs. The idea is that people learn to use and develop these qualities in their everyday life.
The first meeting helps set and clarify some of the above objectives, in discussion with the interested person.
More specific objectives of the therapeutic session may be a) the self-expression within the art therapy session through art or verbally, b) the creation of a trusting and safe environment, c) the development of a healthy relationship with the therapist and the other participants, d) the respect of the limits (time, place, acceptable behaviour throughout the therapy).