What is Art Therapy?

That is a big question, and I think it requires a break down into parts.

What is therapy?

Therapy is a safe space to come every week for as long as you feel is needed to speak to a person who is natural and disconnected from you, they are there to listen and reflect back what they have heard, to ask questions, be inquisitive and empathetic to you and your world. Yalom (A pretty cool Stamford Professor and therapy theory writer) said that a therapist is a passenger along side the client. We explore your world and your understanding along with you. We can offer insight and exploration through our understanding of theories and therapeutic tools and experiences, but you are the expert of your own internal world. Therapy is hugely about relationship, a lot of what causes us pain is based in relationships, relationship with others and with self and this can begin to heal through new experiences gained in the relationship between therapist and client.

What role does Art play?

Art Therapy is a well established form the psychotherapy, a summary of what art therapy is, is coming, but in the meanwhile The British Association of Art Therapist is a great resource of information. Click here for their definition of what art therapy is.