Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy, facilitated by licensed or certified art therapists. It sounds straightforward: it integrates creative expression with mental health counseling, yet many people, especially adults, find it hard to picture what an actual session looks like.
Every session begins with grounding and check-ins. Grounding might include some deep breathing or movement to become more present in the moment and in their bodies. Clients are then invited to share their thoughts verbally or visually. This builds trust and emotional safety
Art making typically comes next; I usually ask the client if they have something in mind they need to work on and what materials would fit this need. Other times I suggest materials that I have a sense that would help them work through what it is they are struggling with. There are times I make art alongside them. This removes the feeling of being watched while they are making art.
Other times I am simply supporting the process and making sure they have the materials available to keep the process going. I talk as little as possible to not interrupt the process and flow.
Once the client feels finished with art making, I will ask them to tell me about what they have created. Sometimes I ask them to title the artwork or write a story that can go with the art piece. This helps to process the thoughts and feeling that came up during the art making. I might ask questions to help with this part, such as:
· What feelings came up for you while making this?
· I noticed you made this shape in many parts of the drawing; can you tell me about this shape?
· Does this color have significant meaning for you and what is it?
· Did anything surprise you with what you created?
Then it is time for time for any final thoughts or some ah-ha moments. Here is the time to transition back to their day. I like to make sure they feel safe and ready.
Art therapy is not too different from traditional talk therapy, but it can help if you have trouble verbalizing feelings or being aware of what you are feeling. It’s perfect if you’re someone whose thoughts tend to get jumbled, or if you feel like you have so much to talk about in therapy but once the time comes, you freeze. It can be an amazing tool for topics that feel too difficult to talk about with words. And it can even be fun.
For more information about Art Therapy Studio of Reno, please visit our website at:
https://www.arttherapystudioofreno.com/ or call us at
775-741-0221. Art Therapy of Reno is located at
573 Mill Street, Suite B, Reno, NV 89502.
