Is Art Therapy the same as an Art Class?
"The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls."
Pablo Picasso
Living and working in Reno, NV is an art-filled experience.
I don't think there's any place you can go where you're not going to see exquisite murals and beautiful sculptures. There are many art galleries and artist group studio galleries. We have Art Town for the full month of July, with all kinds of art experiences for people of all ages. It is truly an art town.
As a credentialed art therapist in Reno, I'm often asked if art therapy is just like going to an art class. Having been an art teacher for many years before becoming an art therapist, I have an understanding of both fields.
There are several differences, but the main one is that when you meet with an art therapist, you are meeting with a trained mental health professional. When going to an art class, you are meeting with a teacher who may or may not hold a degree in art or education and is typically not a psychotherapist or counselor.
Key elements of art therapy:
In art therapy, there is the therapeutic relationship, which involves working with a licensed art therapist who guides and facilitates self-exploration through various art mediums. The connection and a working relationship between the therapist and the art process is the therapeutic relationship that is essential to healing work.
Art therapy emphasizes the creative process itself, encouraging individuals to express their emotions and thoughts without judgment, while attuning to how the individual is experiencing the material and process. The final work is secondary to the therapeutic experience.
Art therapy often involves discussions about the created work that allow integration and gaining insight into emotional experiences and challenges.
Art classes: learning a craft
In contrast, an art class is primarily focused on skill development, technique, and the acquisition of artistic skill. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, an art class provides structured environments for improving your artistic skills.
Elements of an art class are structure and guidance; a qualified instructor imparts knowledge and teaches techniques to participants through the process of creating art, with a focus on skill enhancement.
Art classes are outcome-oriented. While they are enjoyable and personal expression is important, art classes often place emphasis on the final product, aiming to develop the individual's artistic abilities and craftsmanship.
Another significant difference between art therapy sessions and art classes is a sense of non-judgmental exploration within the art therapy session. Whereas in most art classes there is critiquing and, in a sense, judgment about the artwork, the use of materials, etcetera.
In my art therapy sessions, I try to provide a larger space for play and exploration without judgment. I tell my clients there's no right or wrong way to make art.
Art therapists and art teachers might use the same materials, and an art therapist might show you how to use the materials, but the focus is on emotional growth and inner healing.
Choosing the right path for you:
Understanding the difference between art therapy and an art class is crucial when you are trying to decide how you want your personal growth path to look and to feel. Are you interested in self-exploration and emotional healing? Art therapy might be what would be most helpful. If you're interested in improving artistic skills, an art class might be a better fit.
Either one will help you wash off the dust of daily life.
I am excited to announce that I will be offering a SoulCollage® Workshop as a fundraiser for the Caroline Foundation on August 15th. 2- 4 p.m. at the Art Therapy Studio of Reno. The fee is $40/person.
Please help support families with children with disabilities.
In September, Art Therapy Studio of Reno is offering:
High School Teen Art Therapy Group (For Girls)
Kids’ Art Therapy Group (Ages 9-11)
Art Therapy for Early Adolescents (Ages 12-13)
SoulCollage® Workshop
Go to https://www.arttherapystudioofreno.com/groups
For more information.
