What is Creative Art Therapy?

I like using analogies for this question, so here is one to start us off…

If you were asked a simple equation such as 2 + 2, you might be able to respond with the correct answer without much working out necessary.

What if, instead, you were asked something more complex, such as 405 x 534? Something that required concentration and more working out. If no calculators were available, what might you need to help assist you with your working out?

Often people require paper and a pen to lay it out in front of them so they can see things more clearly, unpack different sections of the numbers and form mini equations to get to the final answer. Perhaps the request of pen and paper is simply to have it visually in front of them so that they can stay on task.

Some people might just want to use their hands, fingers or objects to solve the equation or represent their findings.

It’s not uncommon for people to find the processing of complex or uncomfortable information challenging, especially when feeling limited to verbal articulation, no matter how articulate you are!

As amazing as language is, it can sometimes be limiting. Some things require a different approach, especially when we are feeling stuck, confused, overwhelmed, in a cycle, or inauthentic and scripted.

Art Therapy is an expressive therapy that incorporates a creative process into the therapeutic space, such as painting, drawing, clay use, writing, sand play, music or movement to improve a person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Creative arts therapies are delivered by professional creative arts therapists registered with the Australian, New Zealand and Asian Arts Therapies Association (ANZACATA).

The image above shows the difference between bottom up and top down regulation strategies. While verbal therapies assist with regulation and healing from top-down (mind based), the creative approach to therapy is a combination of both bottom-up (body based) and top-down (mind based) regulation.

‘Art therapy encourages participants to engage in a process of self expression with the objective of communicating feelings, thoughts, experiences and perceptions in ways not always accomplished with words alone.’ (Malchiodi: page xiv)

Benefits of Art Therapy

· Ability to express feelings difficult to discuss

· Identifying blocks to expression and growth

· Emotional regulation

· Involves the brain and body in ways that verbal communication cannot

· Self leadership and healing

· Enhances imagination and creativity and helps the forming of new hobbies

· Helps build coping skills and focus

· Self esteem and confidence

· Clarify issues and concerns

· Communication skills

· Connection

· Development of motor skills and physical coordination

· Link to communication and/or participation in a safe environment

‘Just like Play Therapy is more than just play, Art Therapy is more than just arts and crafts (Malchiodi, 2016)’

Who can do Creative Art Therapy? ANYONE

· Ages: All (Children, Adolescents, Adults)

· Art therapy sessions can be for groups, couples, families or Individuals

Other specific areas Art therapy is used in:

· Perinatal art therapy: dyadic (parent and child), theraplay, group, individual

· Disabilities such as ASD, ADHD, Down Syndrome, sensory processing disorders

· PTSD (trauma informed practice)

· Chronic Pain

· Depression and Anxiety

· Grief and Loss

We offer Art Therapy in the following forms:

1:1 sessions
Art Therapy Group: view groups

Or view our contact/referral form: click here

Ellen Tatchley

Art Therapist

Our loyal friend, Anger.