What is Art Therapy?
Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain
Carl Jung
What is Art Therapy/Art Psychotherapy?
When we are struggling, speaking about our feelings can seem like an emotional hurdle, but words are not the only tools we have for communication.
In order to process complex experiences, emotions and thoughts, a more intuitive, symbolic and instinctive therapeutic language is available to us through art-making. The art work is not judged or analysed by the therapist. Together, client and therapist utilise it as a means of expression and reflection so that the inherent wisdom within can be acknowledged and used to make positive changes. Experience in art-making is not required.
Art therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic intervention whereby art making is the primary mode for self-exploration.
Practice draws on research and theory from the fields of psychoanalysis, psychotherapy, psychology and neuroscience to provide effective interventions.
Sessions take place with a trained therapist in a safe and confidential space and all of the art is kept safe by the therapist for the duration of therapy.
There are a whole range of art materials provided that include the traditional and the unexpected, not so traditional.
The therapist assists the client in their exploration of the work and what meaning it may have for them, if the client chooses to make art at all.
Why not contact us for an introductory or assessment session.
This first session carries no obligation, it is simply an exploration to see what might work for you if you need emotional support.
Find out more on our FAQ’s page.
What is Eco-Art Therapy/Eco-Art Psychotherapy?
Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.
William Wordsworth.
Eco-art therapy (also known as environmental art therapy) brings together applied ecopsychology and traditional art therapy. It uses an enriched assortment of art materials to heighten identification with the natural world.
As a sister practice to art therapy, eco-art therapy shares most of the same aspects as described in the ‘What is Art Therapy’ section above.
It often combines outdoor therapy with the traditional therapy space. Outdoor sessions can take place by the sea or river, in forests, fields, mountains, or even urban green areas.
When out in nature, basic material might be provided by the therapist but often the land provides ‘found’ materials for the sessions.
There is an emphasis on impermanence in that the work created outside is left where it is made (but not always). However, objects from the piece can be kept and photographs can be taken.
Materials can also be gathered during outdoor therapy sessions and brought back to the therapy studio for art making at another time. It can often be the case that no art is made and the reflections on nature provide all the metaphor needed.
You do not need to be particularly outdoors-orientated to benefit from this setting for your therapy, but you will need to be mobile.
If you would like to find out more you can visit our Blog about the work.
Some of the Benefits of Art & Eco-Art Therapy are
They can have a calming effect and help to regulate emotion
There is a natural mindfulness element to the work, inherent in the process
Offers the space to access our inherent wisdom and use it for positive changes in our lives
Improvement in mental health and emotional well-being by developing self-awareness, insight and making sense of difficult life experiences
Promotes personal growth and positive change in people of all ages and abilities leading to personal autonomy