Art Therapy, with a professionally trained art therapist, can assist an individual in personal growth and discovery. Art therapy groups can facilitate social skills and provide a compassionate space for the development of interpersonal skills. Art therapists are qualified to recognize the needs of an individual and offer specific materials to create original works of art while experiencing an artistic process.
Art Therapy and Social Behavior
Through the process of art therapy, participants can experiment with a broader repertoire of adaptive personal behaviors. Individuals have an opportunity to exercise motivation, initiative and responsibility. Participants work on individual projects in a group setting. The art therapist assists participants in engaging in the art process.
Sculpture and Sensory Development
Through the process of sculpture making artists demonstrate improved integration of sensory-motor systems and increased socialization. Group sculpture making is an opportunity to practice communication, focusing, self-monitoring, self-expression, interpersonal interaction, self-motivation, sequencing and fine motor coordination. The art therapist encourages the use of sensory motor systems and socialization.
Stories in the Sand
Through the process of sand play, program participants have the opportunity to express personal interests. Building stories in the sand about community issues and personal desires, via unconscious activity played out in the sand tray, leads to increased self-awareness and community involvement. The ritual of the artistic process includes: setting up a space, choosing materials, preparing materials, and using materials. Participants communicate with each other about thoughts and feelings arising during this creative process.
Creativity and Cognitive Growth
Expression of thought, flexibility, increased attention span, and focusing play a role in cognitive growth. Organizing intellectual concepts while creating an image involves the use of logic, sequential progression and a depth of self-expression.
Lifetime Image Connections
Viewing fine art and rendering an image influenced by the works of others involves experiencing satisfaction from being part of a group. Using life stories as a starting point validates the human experience by encompassing universal themes and archetypes.
Self-Awareness and Self-Portrayals
Discussing alternative ways to cope with feelings and expressing emotions related to depression, rage, powerlessness and loss is one way to nurture oneself and take pride in overcoming everyday challenges. The art becomes the container to hold the fear associated with risk and change. Compassion becomes a tool to discover healthy habits of nurturing the body, mind and spirit.
Guided Imagery and Stress Reduction
Working with a purpose and managing apprehension, anxiety, depression or a reconciliation of feelings is involved in art relaxation techniques. Relaxing the body and mind allows for the realization of desired outcomes and the willingness to receive help from others.
Grateful Emotions and Expressions
Decrease negative feelings and foster positive thoughts. Working on individual drawings in a group setting allows for independence, positive interactions, self-image exploration and group identity. Make art! Live now!
