Art Therapy:

Art Therapy is a form of therapy that utilizes the creative process of making art to improve a person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through creating art, individuals can explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, develop self-awareness, manage behavior, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. Art Therapy can be beneficial for people of all ages and backgrounds that I work with, providing a non-verbal outlet for expression and communication. Art Therapy can be gentler on the nervous system than direct verbal exploration because it navigates through the backdoor, away from the defenses that protect our vulnerabilities. This novel approach also helps us find solutions to confusing or reoccurring problems through the use of symbol, metaphor, and dialoguing between parts of the image. Art Therapists are trained professionals who guide clients in using various art materials and techniques to address personal issues and promote healing and growth. No formal experience with art or pretty-picture-making is necessary to benefit from the healing capacities of Art Therapy, as the healing is in the process and not the product. Through Mindfulness Based Art Therapy (MBAT) we can harness the calm curiosity that mindfulness brings to our problems in the Art Therapy space to activate depth and insights for transformation.