Art Therapy
What is art therapy?
Art therapy combines the creative process with counselling to give people another way to explore thoughts, emotions and experiences. Sometimes things that are difficult to put into words can be easier to express through drawing, painting, creating or working with different materials.
Sessions are guided by a trained art therapist, Olivia Baxter, but you don’t need to be artistic or have any experience with art. Art therapy isn’t an art lesson, and there is no expectation to create something that looks a certain way. The focus is on the process, not the finished product.
Art therapy can be used on its own or alongside other forms of counselling and can support children, youth and adults. Your art therapist works with you to choose activities and approaches that fit your needs, comfort level and therapeutic goals.
The general nature of an art therapy session is flexible, curious, and collaborative. While some individuals choose art therapy because of an existing interest in the arts, many clients have little to no experience with art-making prior to commencing. Upon arriving for their 50-minute session, the client is provided with a variety of 2D and 3D materials to explore. Depending on the needs of the client, a typical session may include a mix of conversation, silent working time, or more movement-based activities. Although the art therapist may use theoretical insight to suggest specific activities at times, the client also has the freedom to embark on a specific project of interest if desired. The therapist and client may also work together to make interpretations about what images mean to the client, following the understanding that the artist is always the expert on their own work.
Art therapy from a trauma-informed approach is informed by neurodevelopment and neurobiology. Sessions typically focus on supporting regulation, self-expression, establishing a sense of safety, identifying and ameliorating the body’s experience of distress, and providing meaning-making experiences. Exploring personal trauma stories through art-making can provide individuals with the opportunity to establish a sense of control as we work to explore, alter, and rewrite the narrative – all while prioritizing respect for individual preferences and experiences. Additionally, art therapy can help to integrate the senses, engage the mind-body connection, support self-efficacy and creative problem-solving, and more!
No. While art therapy can be especially helpful for children who may find it easier to express themselves creatively, adults can benefit from art therapy too. It can provide another way to explore emotions, experiences and patterns that may be difficult to put into words.
Not at all. Art therapy isn’t about artistic ability or creating something that looks a certain way. The focus is on the process and what you notice or experience along the way. No art experience is necessary.
Art therapy can support people experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief, emotional regulation difficulties, life transitions and other mental health concerns. The way art therapy is used will depend on your age, needs, goals and preferences.
