Art Therapy
Art therapy is becoming an increasingly popular treatment for a variety of disorders, issues, and conditions. It’s been around since the middle part of the last century and has been widely used to treat numerous issues, such as PTSD in veterans.
As well as being an effective aid to recovery for many mental health issues, it can be used as part of a plan to treat all sorts of physical ailments too. If you live in Coquitlam or Port Moody, counsellors can use art therapy as an excellent way to help you cope with issues surrounding events, health, or relationships.
What do Art Therapists do?
Art therapists are typically counsellors or psychotherapists who use different forms of art media as a vehicle for expression. Therapists can use art as a very effective way to help people cope with confusing and complex emotional conditions.
Often, when we’re at our most vulnerable, we may find it difficult or even impossible to express what’s troubling us verbally. That can be an issue directly connected to an emotional issue, or it could just be that the person isn’t great at communicating feelings.
Art therapy is a way for practitioners to develop an environment that feels secure, welcoming, and non-judgemental, where people can feel confident and be open about their emotions. Art therapists work with people experiencing a range of different behavioral, emotional, or even physical issues. It can be employed as part of a broader treatment plan where patients have chronic conditions or have experienced a life-changing illness.
Art Therapists may work in several different environments, including:
- Hospitals
- Education
- Prisons
- Private practices
Art Therapists can work either one-on-one or in group therapy settings. Here at Inspine Therapy, our Port Moody counsellors perform one-on-one art therapy sessions designed to help people deal with numerous different events and issues, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relationship difficulties
- Communication issues
- Coping with illness or injury
- Eating disorders
- Emotional problems
- Psychological symptoms brought on by illness
- PTSD & Trauma
- Stress
- Substance use and addiction
Understanding the Creative Process in Art Therapy
Art comes in many forms, and so do associated therapies. Almost any creative process can form part of an art therapy program. Practitioners may use:
- Artwork
- Drama
- Dance
- Writing
- Music
The primary aim of the art therapist is to employ a creative process so that people can come to terms with what they feel and express themselves more effectively. It typically leads to self-discovery and can be helpful when developing coping skills for many purposes. Art therapy may involve both creating and exploring the art of others or a combination of both things.
Art is an outlet and one of the purest forms of expression. Hence, patients can develop insights and explore their feelings based on what they produce or the emotions a specific piece of art provokes. When creating art, patients invariably find themselves more able to identify and focus on how they perceive their environment and emotions. Art therapists may request patients to concentrate on what’s going on inside their head rather than on events in the outside world.
How to Get Started with Art Therapy in Port Moody or Coquitlam
You don’t need to be a great artist to benefit from art therapy. The process isn’t about learning how to paint, or even about what you produce. It’s all about the experience. If you’re based near Coquitlam or Port Moody and are interested in art therapy, Inspine Therapy can help you get started. One of our friendly, expert practitioners will use your first few sessions to get to know you. They’ll ask about your health and background and find out your concerns. Then, they’ll help you explore some themes and media.
Art therapy is a journey of self-discovery that starts with what you produce and revolves around your therapist asking questions based on that. It’s about what you feel during and after the creative process. The vast majority of art therapy patients take a lot from their experiences, and above all else, the process is fun and helps build self-confidence.
Need An Appointment?
Inspine Therapy is a multi-disciplinary clinic located in the heart of Port Moody. We care about providing fundamental healing through all-in-one care that focuses on helping you recover, improve, and optimize your health until you’re in the best condition possible.
Our services include massage therapy, chiropractic therapy, acupuncture, active rehab, clinical counselling, and pilates. Visit our newly renovated clinic and book your appointment today!
