Art therapy works by combining the creative process and psychotherapy, we work to facilitate the self-exploration phase and understanding. During art therapy, imagery, color, and shape can be used as part of the creative therapeutic process, as well, as thoughts and feelings may be expressed with this when they would normally be difficult to communicate.

A few of the main reasons why you should try art therapy, as well as work with an art therapist:

1. Art therapists are trained

Art therapists are trained experts in their fields of counseling, fine arts, and psychology. Art therapists must have a minimum of a master’s degree or a master’s level diploma in art therapy within the United States before they are able to work within the profession which does not include the clinical practicum hours

2. Art therapists must abide by a code of ethics

3. Art therapists work with a wide diverse group of clients

Art therapy has been seen to work effectively for patients of any age. Art therapists usually work with families, couples, individuals, and groups in settings like schools, treatment centers, counselors, rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, elder care locations, and correctional institutions.

4. Art therapists have liability insurance

Art therapists are required to have a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised art therapy practicum hours, as we as professional liability insurance to offer art therapy to the public.

5. Research supports art therapy works

Art therapy has been shown time and time again that it is effective and works wonders with individuals who use it.

There are a variety of different forms of art therapy available:

• Dance therapy
• Drama therapy
• Expressive therapy
• Music therapy
• Writing therapy

The techniques are different from the forms of art therapy available, these techniques often will help individuals self-explore and find new ways to gain personal insight while developing new coping skills. Some of these techniques used include:

• Collage
• Coloring
• Doodling
• Scribbling
• Drawings
• Finger painting
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpting
• Working with clay

The different types of art chosen will allow the clients to create and analyze the art they have created and describe how it makes them feel. Through this, they are able to look for themes and even conflicts that may be affecting their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

It has been shown that less than an hour of art therapy can help you to manage any life transition, while also positively benefiting your mental health as you experience your artist side and talent.

Art therapy provides a variety of art methods to choose from including painting, sculpture, drawing, and collage. Clients who have ever experienced physical violence, emotional trauma, depression, anxiety, and other psychological issues are able to benefit from expressing themselves creatively.

Art therapy is not for everyone, there are individuals who do not have high levels of creativity or artistic abilities to use, meaning art therapy would not be a successful outlet for them, or they may feel resistant or skeptical of the process, which can make it worse.

A few situations that art therapy may be utilized include:

• Children who may be experiencing social or behavioral issues at school or even at home
• Children or adults who may have previously experienced a traumatic event
• Children that have a learning disability
• Individuals experiencing mental health issues
• Individuals who are living with a brain injury
• Adults that may be experiencing severe stress

However, if you think you or a loved one would benefit from art therapy, contact Reaching Resolutions today to speak with a specialist about art therapy, and when you can get started. Call us today to learn more or book an appointment. We are conveniently located at 9719 Northeast Parkway, Suite 100 Matthews NC 28105. We serve clients from Matthews NC, Charlotte NC, Mint Hill NC, Indian Trail NC, Pineville NC, and Stallings NC.