About Creative Art Therapy
Welcome to Arts-Based Psychotherapy: Exploring Other Ways of Knowing
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What is Creative Art Therapy?
In our Western society, language often reigns supreme, overshadowing the myriad other forms of knowledge we hold within us. While verbal expression engages the frontal lobe, it's essential to recognise the wealth of insights stored within the limbic system—our emotional core, where pre-verbal and childhood memories reside. These non-verbal experiences can't always be accessed through words alone but find expression through images, colours, sounds, aromas, movement, and tactile experiences—mediums that art therapy adeptly harnesses.
Through arts-based psychotherapy, we embark on a journey to unlock these deeper layers of understanding and meaning. Using a variety of creative mediums—such as visual art, sculpture, movement, voice, and writing—we create a safe space for exploration and expression. I specialise in the MIECAT form of creative arts psychotherapy, focusing on self-discovery, meaning-making, and life-enhancing change, all within a person-centered framework that values equality and mutual respect between therapist and yourself.
What happens in a session?
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I follow an emergent approach, allowing your unique journey to shape the direction of our exploration. Your lead guides our path, while I provide compassionate support and companionship along the way. By attuning not only to your words but also to your body language and gestures, I strive to understand your holistic experience and mood, ensuring a truly personalised and nurturing environment.
Keep in mind you needn't consider yourself "artistic" to reap the benefits of arts-based psychotherapy. Together, let's embark on a journey to discover the healing and self-awareness that creativity can offer.
Benefits of Creative Art Therapy
Creative art therapy offers a wide array of benefits that encompass emotional, psychological, social, and even physical well-being. Here are some of the key benefits:
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Self-Expression: Provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a non-verbal manner. This can be especially beneficial for those who struggle to articulate their emotions verbally.
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Emotional Release: Engaging in creative activities can facilitate the release of emotions and stress. The act of creating art can help individuals process difficult emotions such as grief, anger, or trauma.
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Stress Reduction: The process of creating art can be inherently calming and meditative, promoting relaxation and stress relief. Focusing on the creative task at hand can help individuals temporarily shift their focus away from anxieties.
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Increased Self-Awareness: Through the exploration of different art materials and techniques, individuals can gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This heightened self-awareness can lead to greater clarity and understanding of oneself.
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Improved Coping Skills: Teaches individuals to develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with life's challenges. By engaging in creative problem-solving and self-expression, individuals can build resilience and adaptive coping strategies.
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Enhanced Communication: For those who struggle with verbal communication, creative art therapy offers an alternative mode of expression. Creative art can serve as a universal language, allowing individuals to communicate thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to put into words.
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Boosted Self-Esteem: Accomplishing artistic tasks and seeing tangible results can boost self-esteem and feelings of competency. Through the creative process, individuals can gain a sense of mastery and achievement, regardless of their skill level.
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Social Connection: Group-based creative art therapy sessions provide opportunities for social interaction and connection with others who share similar experiences. Collaborative art projects can foster a sense of belonging and community.
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Mindfulness: Engaging in art-making requires individuals to be fully present in the moment, promoting mindfulness and awareness of the here and now. This mindfulness practice can help individuals cultivate greater presence and acceptance in their daily lives.
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Empowerment: Empowers individuals to take an active role in their healing journey. By making choices and exerting creative control over their artwork.