All you need to know
Art therapy uses art as the primary mode of expression, alongside talking with an art therapist. It aims to reduce distress and improve social, emotional and mental health by promoting insight, self-compassion and a sense of agency and self-worth. (BAAT, 2024)
Largely using a trauma-focused, psychodynamic approach. The work may also involve mindfulness, somatic movement, talking therapy and attachment focused work. As we work together, the approach will shift depending on your needs.
Anyone! Really! It is helpful to bear in mind that art therapy is not solely for creative people. Within art therapy, the primary focus lays within the process of the art making and not the outcome.
I would encourage clients to have some basic materials at hand however I also find that if this is not possible, metaphorical images arrive in discussion that are spoken about rather than physically created within an image. Having materials at hand can help to externalise feelings without the need for verbal expression and exploration; if this happens in a session, we can gauge a sense of whether it is useful to think about the image created- but know that sometimes creating an image in a safe and contained space can be enough.
My model of working is to be led by you, the client, in sessions, and follow where your thoughts take you in that space and support you in that journey.
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