Art Therapy

Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, and human experience within a working therapeutic relationship.

Art Therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.

Art Therapy Philosophy

Creative expression allows the story of human experiences to come into being and to be visible. Finger-painting, shapes of clay, pencil marks on paper or a weaving can give voice to the memories and emotions even when “there are no words.” Although not planned, the creative expressions often present with astounding accuracy and clarity, offering new perspectives and directions for growth and well-being. Facilitated by the professional art therapist, the individual is safely supported in their discoveries about the meaning of their art making, thereby gaining insight and deeper understanding of their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual concerns. Art therapy is beneficial for all ages and for a wide range of issues. Think “therapy with a crayon.”