MINDFUL ART
witness the power of art to heal.........
art therapy
Art Therapy and Adults
Art therapy encourages self-discovery and emotional growth. It is a two part process, involving both the creation of art and the discovery of its meaning. Rooted in Freud and Jung's theories of the subconscious and unconscious, art therapy is based on the assumption that visual symbols and images are the most accessible and natural form of communication to the human experience. Patients are encouraged to visualize, and then create, the thoughts and emotions that they cannot talk about. The resulting artwork is then reviewed and its meaning interpreted by the patient. The "analysis" of the artwork produced in art therapy typically allows patients to gain some level of insight into their feelings and lets them to work through these issues in a constructive manner.
The Benefits
Art therapy provides the client with critical insight into emotions, thoughts and feelings. Key benefits of the art therapy process include:
-
Self-discovery.
-
Personal fulfillment comes from both the creative and the analytical components of the artistic process.
-
Empowerment. Art therapy can help people visually express emotions and fears that they cannot express through conventional means, and can give them some sense of control over these feelings.
-
Relaxation and stress relief. Chronic stress can be harmful to both mind and body.
What is involved?
Before starting art therapy, the therapist will have an introductory session with the client to discuss art therapy techniques and give the client the opportunity to ask questions about the process. The client comfort with the artistic process is critical to successful art therapy.
The therapist ensures that appropriate materials and space are available for the client. The supplies used in art therapy are limited only by the therapist's imagination. Some of the materials often used include paper, canvas, poster board, assorted paints, inks, markers, pencils, charcoals, chalks, fabrics, string, adhesives, clay, wood, glazes, wire, bendable metals and natural items (like shells, leaves, etc.). Such appropriate tools as scissors, brushes, erasers, easels, supply trays, glue guns, smocks or aprons and cleaning materials are also essential.
Origin & History
Humans have expressed themselves with symbols throughout history. Masks, ritual pottery, costumes, other objects used in rituals, cave drawings, Egyptian hieroglyphics, and Celtic art and symbols are all visual records of self-expression and communication through art. Art has also been associated spiritual power, and such artistic forms as the Hindu and Buddhist mandala and Native American sand painting are considered powerful healing tools.
Art as therapy dates back to the 1940s.
Margaret Naumburg, an educator and therapist, was one of the first to define art therapy as a distinct form of psychotherapy in the 1940s. Oftentimes she’s actually referred to as the founder of art therapy. She was a follower of both Freud and Jung, and incorporated art into psychotherapy as a means for her patients to visualize and recognize the unconscious. In her practice, she had her clients draw their dreams in addition to talking about them.
Art therapists use a variety of techniques.
In addition to creating art, most therapists encourage their clients to talk about their images in therapy because this helps in discovering insight and meaning.
Many use a technique called active imagination, which was created by Carl Jung. Basically, clients use their image to freely associate other thoughts or feelings that come spontaneously to their minds. The goal is to help clients gain a deeper understanding and growth.
