What is Art Therapy?

Trusting the process brings a realization that mistakes, and failures make important contributions to the creative process ~ Shaun McNiff

Art therapy is

Art therapy is the use of creative arts processes to inquire into your experience. You do not need to have any artistic skills, just an openness to participate.

This process can lead to insight and awareness that can inspire change in perception and understanding of life challenges, patterns of behaviour and relationships.  

An Art Therapist will not teach you how to draw, quite the opposite. You are invited to enter into the play element with yourself, without emphasis on the finished product, embracing the process of discovery. You may like the way what you make looks like, but the true value of art therapy is in the meaning that is created in the process.

Some find that art therapy is easier than talking or in group. Art therapy is free from analysis and yet you are fully supported and not alone in noticing what may arise.

The emphasis is on the feelings of the body using modalities such as music, meditation and visualization along with symbols and sand tray. An array of art materials are at hand’s reach to choose from. Clay, plasticine, wool, sewing, collage, pastels, paint and watercolour are the medium that can be used.