Family & Friends
Dear parent, dear partner and friend,
I prepared these pages to help you support your loved ones in their journey to self-discovery. Feel free to contact me if you need more answers.
How should I propose to someone to take art therapy?
Art therapy can be used as a tool for self discovery or a way to deal with difficult periods in life.
Best ways to propose this type of therapy to a friend or family member:
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.
TIP "Set yourself as an example and start art therapy first"
TIP! Guiding someone to therapy is a delicate process that can often have the opposite results from what you expect. Showing empathy, understanding and taking distance from the problem can be helpful!
Would it help if I join the sessions 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 of the art therapy?
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).
Cost & Insurance cover
How much does it cost?
You are welcome for a first session without obligation to continue. If we feel this is the right form of creative therapy for you we can make a plan for regular sessions.
Please read more information under the Costs and Insurance page >>
What if I do not have the means to pay for therapy?
There are a few ways this can be done. If you work or study at CERN there is a limited number of places in my weekly groups. Please contact me and I will do my best to accommodate you.
If you have no other means but still think this is the best for you please get in touch for a free session. We will discuss the possibilities including the sliding scale I can offer.
Is it reimbursed by insurance companies?
Art Therapy is a specialty of complementary practices. Vasiliki is a non-medical practitioner and hence the compensation of the costs of Art Therapy sessions in Switzerland depends on the insurance cover of each individual. Here is a non-exhaustive list:
Basic insurance programmes (LaMAL) do not normally compensate Art Therapy costs.
Complementary insurance can cover art therapy - not all of them do. Those that do cover it often allow maximum number of sessions. I suggest you to consult with your insurer in advance.
International Organisations have their own insurance schemes for their members and their families. They may cover complementary therapies with a recommendation from a general practitioner. Art therapy may be covered up to a maximum number of sessions or cost per year.
If you need an insurance cover for your sessions, do contact your insurer directly.
Read about health insurance in Switzerland by Le News
When would my kid benefit from art therapy?
Kids may benefit from art therapy at all stages of their life, because art plays an important role in the improvement of their self-awareness and self confidence.
Art therapy can be particularly useful during stressful periods for a kid, such as parents loss of a parent or serious illness and before/after a hospital operation. If you anticipate a difficult family situation it can be particularly helpful for a child to develop a therapeutic relationship prior to the event.
Parents should seek the help of an art therapist if they see the following signs:
1. Strong and persistent negative emotions, like prolonged crying.
2. Panic attacks.
3. Frequent angry outbursts and any kind of violence.
4. Emotional and/or developmental regression.
5. Social withdrawal.
6. Selective mutism.
How many sessions will my child need?
It is really difficult to answer this question as all kids have different needs. However, a minimum of 8 sessions is required for kids to feel confortable and start trusting the therapist. Art has the power to offer instant relief to patients of all ages, but we need a certain number of meetings in order to have a reliable improvement in terms of the childs behaviour.
What are the main objectives of art therapy with a child?
The objectives can vary according to the needs of each child. The first session is usually considered an evaluation session where objectives can be set in agreement with the parents and the child.
Some general art therapy objectives:
Improvement of self- awareness (drawings work as mirrors for kids)
Improvement of self-confidence (every artwork feels like an achievement for a kid)
Improvement of self-expression (images help children find easier words for their feelings)
Unblocking repressed feelings (art is relaxing and liberating when there is no judgement)
Improvement of communication skills (the empathy of the therapist is important here)
Can parents stay with their kids during an art therapy session?
This depends on the child's age and behaviour. As the child is getting older, around 10-12- years old, the presence of a parents is unnecessary, unless there are family issues that need to be adressed too. However, parents might be asked to be present during the first art therapy session for a better evaluation of the situation and the child.
Are we supposed to discuss about the sessions at home?
It is better to avoid discussing the content of the art therapy sessions at home during the therapeutic period. This may provoke tension and stress or even misunderstandings and fights due to the absence of the therapist. The therapist is the one who holds the session and keeps the emotional balance (space and time limits, reflection, aware of issues of transference and counter-transference).
Art therapy journals are recommended instead as a way of better understanding the therapeutic process and recording the progress made.