Art Therapy

AATA definition

mental health profession that uses active art making, the creative process and psychological theory within a psycho-therapeutic relationship to improve and enhance well being of individuals, families and communities

ATCB

is an effective treatment for persons experiencing developmental, medical, educational, social or psychological impairment. Goal is to improve or retire clients functions and his/her sense of personal well being.

therapy

comes from Greek therapon “take care of a temple of God or goddess” [ take care of something sacred ] 

therapeia “to attend, to heal, to be a companion” 

Tools in AT

• art media (drawing, collage, paint, clay, etc)

• the creative process itself

• reflection + meaning-making

• therapeutic relationship

Art Therapy Goals

• symbolic expression: art expresses experiences (the unconscious becomes visible)

• emotional release

• boost dialogue between non-verbal & verbal

• enhances psycho-motor experiences, fostering emotional reparation

• increase self- esteem through engaging in a creative process

• spark hope

• transform relationships

Psychotherapy in Art

art does the expressing, therapy helps the understanding.

Judith A Robin Quote

«doing art therapy in the fullest sense requires combining a deep understanding of art and the creative process with an equally sophisticated understanding of psychology and psychotherapy»

Visual Journal

a visual journal is a personal book or page, that combines art and writing to express feelings, thoughts, experiences. You can paint, draw, write — the goal isn’t to make good art, its to explore your inner world. J. Cameron teaches creativity heals, and we must practice showing up to our inner world. Cameron says visual journal helps clear mental clutter and reconnect with our creative self.

Artist Date

a weekly solo adventure to spark play and curiosity. The goal is to break this “creative wall” and reconnect with our inner child.

Body scan

Guides awareness of physical sensations by bridging the gap between physical and emotional — helps notice emotions that live in your body

Mapping emotions:

Using shapes and colors helps explore to the suppressed emotions

matter:

Our body communicates truths that our mind often avoids. 

Mandalas in Art therapy

across cultures: 
there has been found a pattern of representing unity, balance, protection and the universe.

Jung view: 

he saw the center of the mandala representing “self” unique blend of unconscious and conscious self.

uses

• grounding and mindfulness

• emotional regulation

• exploration of inner harmony

tertium

the artwork as the “third” independent communicator / element

“terti-um = third”

open studio project principles

creativity, social-emotional learning, community well-being, personal growth

open studio process

• setting an intention - write it down, helps participants focus on present feeling and tune into one intentions

• art making - use simple techniques that are taught 

• witness writing - reflection part of the process, encouraged to write spontaneously

• reading / sharing - participants chose to read, all, some or none of it.

OSP population served

• kids and adults of all ages

• people in substance use disorder treatment\

• people who are visually impaired

• people who are involved in the juvenile justice sytem

• people who are experiencing homeless

OPS History / Values

Founded in Chicago/ Evanston 1991 by 3 trained art therapist and educators who was accessible art making for everyone.

Rubin

« doing art therapy in its fullest sense requires combining a deep understanding of art and the creative process with an equally sophisticated understanding of psychology and psychotherapy»

J. A Rubin

Malchiodi

« art making […] overtime can lead to personal fulfillment, emotional reparation and transformation»

C.A Malchiodi

Non-aesthic of art therapy

Non-aesthetic of art therapy focuses on emotional expression, self-awareness, and healing rather than creating a beautiful or realistic artwork; the value lies in the therapeutic process; not product.  

Characteristics of Play

1. no extrinsic goals - its done for the simple experience (joy, curiosity, etc.)

2. pleasurable & enjoyable

3. spontaneous

4. involves active engagement on the part of the play → psychological + physical

5. non-literal quality - play is symbolic, can be a mirror or real life.

art as therapy

creative process- the act of creating is healing

art for therapy

the reflection and psychological insight of the art work

non-aesthetic goal

focus on the personal growth not the artistic skill