Why I chose Psychotherapy through Art Therapy, is the same as asking why puppies adopt little boys. The urge I believe was born in me; art makes me want to change the shape of things as they are, to leave behind a mark on this world that will make a different in some degree. I have loved art in all its forms from the time I have memory. I became interested in expressive therapy as a career through my studio art minor classes at Virginia Wesleyan College. I came to Virginia Wesleyan an amateur artist and loved the idea of helping others through expressive art. I personally know it to be a pleasurable distraction where hope is experienced through art symbols, art media, and sensory stimulation. The impact of creating art and how that process …show more content…
Children in the autistic spectrum have social, emotional, and communication disorders, most are withdrawn or internally preoccupied and for whom words are very frightening. I believe using art therapy as words can be extremely helpful with children where change creates anxiety and where their feelings are often expressed by acting out through abrupt or violent behaviors. Furthermore, I believe non-verbal children and those suffering from family breakdown, bereavement and loss, and children suffering from trauma are those individuals who need the safe, non-threatening environment of art therapy and through art can make sense of the confusion and chaos they feel surrounds them. Young offenders also, I believe can gain personal growth and a release of pent up frustrations through safe expression provided with art therapy. Furthermore, for young children who have life-threatening illnesses such as cancer can express fears and anxieties about their future in the safe environment of art therapy. I believe art offers a relaxing, satisfying, and even a mildly therapeutic state of mind just going through the activity of making marks and it is solitary, private, and
I found the article "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." on the Gale Group website.
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.
According to an article published in Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art therapy Association, “…art therapy strengthened personal, spiritual and social development” (pg. 72, Kapitan, Litell, Torres, 2011). Additionally, it could also help children reduce “acute stress symptom” (pg. 103, Chapman, Morabito, Ladakakos, Schreier, Knudson, 2001). This type of therapy can be used to build child’s self-esteem by encouraging them to express themselves openly through art.
Art therapy is based off of experiential family therapy which emerged from the humanistic approach of existential psychology. Gladding (2014) says that The foundation of experiential theory is that the individual within the family are unaware of their true emotions and if they are aware of them they suppress them. Experiential approaches incorporate family play into session which is good because it helps,
Art therapy includes diverse components, such as artistic activity, relationship between client and therapist, and emotionally safe space, which assist clients in growing internally and influences their inner world in many ways. In a single art therapy session, the artistic activity might be the fundamental tenet that is most influential. For those who are hospitalized and have emotional distress, creating art can be a mood regulation strategy that helps patients to better deal with the stressful life event.
This technique could be extremely beneficial within the generalist social work practice, especially when helping child clients who are unable to express themselves thoroughly. Moreover, the use of art in order to understand interpersonal feelings can open a large array of new techniques that would help the client express his or her thoughts by using colors, sizes, and other objects. Additionally, this technique could help agencies identify problems within the household, such s abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Furthermore, the use of art could help identify many unrecognized diagnosis. Last but not least, this technique could be applied to both adults and children as a therapeutic way to relieve stress and engage in an active activity that could
It is amazing how the combination of art and the brain can be understood and benefit Neuro art therapy. therefore, as it stated in the book, How the brain functions and how it influences emotions, cognition, and behavior are important in the treatment of most problems people bring to therapy, including mood disorders, posttraumatic stress, addictions, and physical illness. Overall, Art therapy uses pure art concepts, art making allows one’s mind to reframe experiences and reorganize thoughts. Art therapy has gained popularity throughout many years because it combines free artistic expression with the potential for significant therapeutic intervention. Therefore, Neuroscience and art therapy gives us a tremendous alternative option for engaging
Art as a therapeutic method was my primary focus throughout the psychology program at Ryerson University. I am familiar with much research regarding art therapy for mental disorders such as depression
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
“Art therapy is a form of therapy in making of visual images (paintings, drawings, models etc.) in the presences of a qualified art therapist contributes towards externalization of thoughts and feelings which may otherwise remain unexpressed”(Walter & Gilory, 1992).
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,
Connection between Art therapy and Autism Spectrum Disorder In viewing a description of autism and art therapy, one can form a connection between the two. The autistic diagnosis encompasses the inability of ASD individuals to express feelings vocally, that requires them to have a different form of communicating expression. An art therapist Nicole Martin said: “Art can provide a way to express what is more complicated”. 3 Due to their limited vocal expression, one might think or understand how art allows for them to express their emotions and feelings, which also is usually the strength of autistic people, “because they are naturally visually spatial and sensory oriented.
CENTRAL IDEA: Art Therapy is not a common career choice when looking at popular jobs in the workforce; however, it is both a very interesting psychological and artistic career.
Art therapy is a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. A goal in art therapy is to improve or restore a client’s functioning and his or her sense of personal well-being.
What is art therapy and does it really work? When one thinks of a therapist and an artist you think of two