Art Psychotherapy: Group Dynamics Essays

The consensus regarding art is art is for artists, or it’s merely a hobby. But, what if art could alleviate symptoms of depression, or help those with PTSD? All of us has had to deal with some form of psychological issues in our lives. Whether causation of the problem is stress from work, caring for children or parents, cognitive decline, illness, depression, death, trauma or violent crime, these issues have affected us all. “… art can engage the mind and emotions more effectively than other forms of therapy” (Habib & Ali, 9). Society should implement art therapy in conjunction with traditional treatments in the above mentioned psychological issues and instances of nonverbal or closed-off patients.

Yearbook has become a huge chunk of my time every single day at school. I attend yearbook meetings and camps, create all types of lists and spreadsheets, organize and assign everything to staff members, but every single task is worth it. Thanks to all of my hard work and dedication, I climbed my way up from staffer to the most successful job of chief editor. I was able to gain outstanding people and communication skills along with writing skills. I have watched myself grow from a ball of anxiety and nerves to a confident and determined chief editor. Unlike everyday classes, yearbook has helped me to successfully learn about different people and life skills that I will be able to utilize in anything I am a part of whether it's college, a career, or even daily conversations. Anytime I am able to complete a task by a deadline or talk to a complete stranger, my heart will be content knowing that I am able to have success in so many different ways thanks to my unforgettable yearbook

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can result from any form of trauma a person may experience throughout their life, such as war or combat, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, mental abuse, ect. It is also something that effects more people than commonly thought, “7.8 percent of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives”. If not treated, the symptoms of PTSD can follow an individual their entire life, this potentially includes “reliving” traumatic memories in addition to many other emotional issues. Although it may be helpful, PTSD treatment can be very difficult for an individual to participate in. In order for someone to work through a traumatic experience, it is necessary that the individual reflects on many

Did you know that according to “lifetouch.ca” over 52% of schools across Canada have a yearbook? Vincent Massey is apart of the 48% of schools that don’t get to look back on the memories and friendships that have happened throughout the years. In this paper I will argue that yearbooks are a great fundraiser, provides memories and gives a real-life lesson in journalism to the students on the yearbook committee.

According to the test I took, the top 3 careers I would be great at based on my personality was Art Therapist, Area, ethnic, and cultural studies teacher, postsecondary, also Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses.

Fard, Farah Joan. "The expanding reach of art therapy: though it's a relatively new approach to mental health treatment, art therapy is gaining traction and making a difference in people's lives." Art Business News, Winter 2015, p. 34+. Fine Arts and Music Collection, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=PPFA&sw=w&u=hillsbor&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA436797590&it=r&asid=1bc151430b53c85d758e9329f6ecf46a. Accessed 22 Nov. 2017.

The National Health Survey exemplified mental and behavioural conditions to be the highest major long-term health condition experienced by Australians in 2014-2015 (ABS 2015). As mental health conditions contribute significantly to the burden of illness and injury in the Australian community, it is fundamental safe and quality therapeutic treatment practices are implemented for people experiencing mental illness in a clinical context (ACSQHC 2010; AIHW 2016). To address and alleviate the increasing prevalence and severity of mental illness in the community, a number of studies have identified the pressing need to implement innovative and effective approaches such as art-based therapy practices in acute psychiatric settings (Blomdahl

When I signed up to be on the yearbook staff, I wanted to follow in my deceased mother’s footsteps. My whole life, I would hear stories about her staying at her school late to finish the yearbook, and I would read back on her editor’s letters from her three years of being the yearbook editor at Ouachita Baptist University. I wanted to be just like her, but what I have found and learned in yearbook is much more.

Art therapy can help people visually express emotions and fears that they cannot express through conventional means, and can give them some sense of control over these feelings.

I believe that the art of psychotherapy is more important than empirically validated treatments (EVT). I feel that the art of psychotherapy lies in the common factors, which include the therapeutic relationship, client and therapist factors (e.g., personality), helping clients deal with problems, and hope or expectancy factors (Reisner, 2005). Although I do believe that empirically validated treatments may enhance the therapeutic process, the treatments themselves are by no means the most important or fundamental aspects of therapy. There appears, at least to me, to be much more of an art involved in developing the relationship with the client and understanding the client’s perspective. It takes art and skill of a therapist to examine,

Not much has been written about the use of expressive arts in existential practice. “Pat Allen, one of the founders of the open studio approach to art therapy… decided to experiment with having people make art alongside each other and be of service to each other during the process, hence the Open Studio Approach” (Story, 2007). This approach is based upon three elements; intention, attention and witness (Story, 2007).

As a practitioner, my approach is Transpersonal and client centered. I have my masters in Transpersonal Psychology and Art Therapy and am a certified yoga instructor. I incorporate mindfulness based approaches, art therapy and yoga when working with people in search of clarity and understanding the patterns or situations that affect their everyday life. I have 12 years of experience in the field working with adults, people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and LBGTQIA related challenges. Creating a safe and comfortable space for my clients to express themselves, explore, and gain support is vital to the healing process and creating change in one’s life. You will be encouraged to give voice to your experiences both

Most forms of therapy are centered on verbal communication. Art therapy, however, breaks that mold and introduces a more creative means of both communicating ideas and learning to grow. The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as:

Expressive arts therapy is the use of art modalities, creative process, and aesthetic experience in a therapeutic context. It is a therapy of the imagination (McNiff, 1992). Effective communication is an essential element in therapeutic relationships and, although verbal language is the most conventional means of conveying information, other forms can convey just as much as words. The arts are an alternative form of communication that has recently received recognition for their value in therapeutic settings. There is a long well-established connection between the arts and psychology. Expressive arts therapy builds on a natural, complimentary relationship between the two disciplines. As a formal therapy, this form is relatively new with its

Almost every theoretical orientation has adapted the use and techniques of expressive arts therapy in some way. Humanistic psychology, for example, emphasizes the importance of play, creativity, and spontaneity. The creative process is intrinsic to self-actualization. Self-actualization makes life more meaningful and enhances abilities,