Emotional Healing with Art Therapy
Expressive Arts Therapy and Visual Art Therapy continue to become more useful and popular techniques in therapy.
The beauty of this type of therapy is that it is very customizable and can cater to the support you need. Both Expressive Arts and Visual Arts have been shown to support both mental and physical health and can help you express thoughts and feelings that would otherwise be difficult to articulate. Let’s dive deeper into how your inner artist can help support your well-being!
Formats – What Can Expressive and Visual Arts Therapy Look Like?
Just like art in general, these types of therapy looks different for everyone and comes in many different forms. Expressive arts therapy uses various art forms including dance, movement, painting, drawing, sculpting, play, and music. Visual Art therapy is based on one art form, utilizing imagery, colour, and shape as part of the therapeutic process.
With some trial and error, you and your therapist can find what works best for you!
If you are looking for visual arts therapist in Alberta or Ontario, book a consultation or session with TCC’s trained Visual Arts Therapist, Deanne!
How Can Art Therapy Help?
Arts allows for you to be creative, and this contributes to self-discovery and a stronger understanding of the self. It can help alter emotional responses, and if you are having a hard time putting something into words, can allow you to visually express these emotions and feelings.
This form of therapy provides you with a creative outlet and is customizable, allowing you to get the support you need. A trained therapist can work with you to find the best outlet, and from there help you work through the goals you have and your past experiences.
Who Can Benefit From Art Therapies?
The research around those who benefit from these forms of Art Therapy continues to grow and has shown benefits for those experiencing a wide variety of challenges and difficulties. More specifically, research has shown these formats to be helpful for children and seniors. Some examples of areas it can help in include:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
Stress
Depression and Depressive Disorders
Social and Emotional Difficulties
Grief and Loss
Confidence and Self-Esteem
Eating Disorders
What to Look for in a Therapist, Specifically When it Comes to This Type of Therapy?
A therapist should have a master's degree in Psychology, Social Work, or a related field
Have either a concentration in Expressive Arts through their degree or outside training/ certification
Has a background in supporting individuals through Expressive Arts
Someone who is trauma-informed
What Are Some Benefits of Art Therapy?
Offers up another option for you to express how you are feeling
Provides further insight into your thoughts and feelings
More accessible to those who are less verbal
Reduces levels of stress and anxiety
Can help with pain
Helps with self-awareness and self-esteem
Customizable
Extra Resources/Links Provided by TCC’s certified Expressive Arts Therapist, Brynlyn:
Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy: http://www.pieat.ca/
The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association: https://www.ieata.org/
World Arts Org: https://worldartsorg.com/wao-blog
Cathy Malchiodi’s Website: https://www.cathymalchiodi.com/about-1/visit-my-social-media-pages/
Check out Expressive Arts Books on Amazon!
Resources and Important Notes Provided by TCC’s certified Art Therapist, Deanne:
Resources and Blogs
Thirsty for Art (YouTube Channel) - check out this summary on visual art therapy (https://youtu.be/pdiVQqfXzDU?si=VP8NGp4RhAgjuT5S).
Psychology Today on Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/arts-and-health/201203/trauma-informed-expressive-arts-therapy
Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy: https://www.sensorimotorarttherapy.com/blog/2019/7/24/the-importance-of-art-materials
Notes
Art therapy is not art class! A trained art therapist uses the art making process to make sense of our internal selves. An art therapist facilitates the process of identifying and processing difficult emotions that come out of the art making activity.
A non-art therapist using art in therapy may encourage a client to draw, colour or paint but may not know the theory behind how different materials could impact the clients response (ex: using clay versus pencil crayons in session).
Conclusion:
Expressive and Visual Arts therapy can be a useful tool for your mental health journey and is customizable to your needs. It’s important you work with a trained therapist to see if it is a good fit for you! Don’t be afraid to get creative, if it helps you, that is what matters most!
Do you think Expressive Arts Therapy could help you in your healing journey? Book a consultation or online session with TCC’s trained Expressive Arts Therapist, Brynlyn!
Resources:
(2024, May 1). Expressive arts therapy. Good Therapy. https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/expressive-arts-therapy
Mitchell, D. (2019, March 22). The benefits of expressive arts therapy. Good Therapy. https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/expressive-arts-therapy-benefits-0118124/
(n.d.). Expressive arts therapy. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapy-types/expressive-arts-therapy
Schroeder, W. (2023, July 14). 6 benefits of expressive arts therapy. Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute. https://ctrinstitute.com/blog/6-benefits-of-expressive-arts-therapy/
Expressive arts therapy. McAtee Psychology. (n.d.). https://www.mcateepsychology.com/expressive-arts-therapy#:~:text=Expressive%20arts%20is%20a%20way,movement%2C%20music%2C%20crafting%20etc
Goldstein, E. (2024, February 4). Expressive arts therapy for anxiety: Long Island, NY - modalities. Integrative Psychotherapy & Trauma Treatment. https://integrativepsych.co/modalities/2019/12/24/what-are-expressive-arts-therapies#:~:text=The%20difference%20between%20expressive%20arts,on%20one%20particular%20art%20form.
(2020). What is art therapy?. Canadian Art Therapy Association. https://www.canadianarttherapy.org/what-is-art-therapy
(2024, February 28). Benefits of Art Therapy for Mental and Physical Health. Husson University. https://www.husson.edu/online/blog/2024/02/benefits-of-art-therapy
