WHAT IS ARTS THERAPY?
Arts Therapy is a Psychotherapy in which any creative expression (visual arts, music, drama, movement, poetry etc) is used to explore, express and transform human experiences.
The aim of this engagement is for participants to gain greater personal insight and/or to experience an easing of both physical and psychological stress or discomfort.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN A SESSION?
In the initial session, we will explore the ways of working and establish whether we are a good fit for each other for ongoing therapy. We will clarify your aims, so we can ensure we are working together on a particular trajectory and can notice when you feel you have made progress.
Regular sessions involve a check-in to see how you are travelling and establish the approach for the day. We can work with whatever you bring and whatever emerges. A single, or multiple arts processes may be employed.
Arts therapy is a combination of art-making and verbal counselling.
DO I HAVE TO BE GOOD AT ART?
No experience with art is necessary to engage with Arts Therapy.
Human beings are naturally art-making and meaning-making beings.
Creativity is already something you do. Do you listen to music, watch films, or read books? Do you consider your outfit when you get ready to go out? Do you aimlessly scribble when you are on the phone, or make shapes in the sand at the beach? All this is art-making, and you don’t need to be an expert!
DO YOU ANALYSE MY ARTWORK?
There is no interpretation by the therapist. Arts therapists will encourage you to find your own meaning in the artwork. Everyone has their own unique life experience, so the symbols, images, movements, words, songs etc which you produce will have specific meanings to you.
It is up to you how much you share of these meanings and experiences. A wonderful thing about art-making is that often the work or progress is done in the arts engagement itself, with no need to explain.
WHAT IS ARTS THERAPY GOOD FOR?
Art can help with releasing and transforming experience. It is suitable for anyone as it can be modified and tailored to meet the needs of the participant.
“People may find relief from overwhelming emotions, crises or trauma. They may discover insights about themselves, increase their sense of well-being, enrich their daily lives through creative expression, or experience personal transformation.”
-Cathy Malchiodi, The Art Therapy Sourcebook.
Arts Therapy is established in the treatment of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, has been used successfully to lessen symptoms of trauma and PTSD, has proven positive benefits to people with cancer, including reducing pain, decreased symptoms of stress and improving quality of life. It stimulates mental function in older adults with dementia and is responsible for a reduction in depression in Parkinson's patients.
The field is growing, and more research is being conducted to establish benefits.
For more information about Bindi’s experience and areas of interest go to the Bio page.
