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Art Therapy is a psychotherapeutic service, and a form of expressive therapy, which provides the opportunity to participate in creative, non-verbal expression through the use of art materials. Art Therapy can be used as a valuable ASSESSMENT tool in determining a child’s emotional state, developmental level, and social functioning. The art therapy process supports and encourages your child to express his or her feelings, enhances social skills, resolves frustrations, and fosters coping with difficulties in constructive ways. Art making can also help your child grow socially and emotionally, work through obstacles, engage in sensorimotor skills which includes hand-eye coordination and sensory stimulation.
Once a trusting therapeutic relationship has been formed between the child and therapist, the child may feel free to express their thoughts and feelings in a safe environment that they otherwise may have not been able to in a different setting. Through the creative process, the child creates artwork which promotes self-expression, creativity, and enhances self-esteem. Art Therapy can create opportunities for the child to learn problem-solving strategies, improve their social skills, work on patience, increase coping skills, enhance cognitive function, and practice conflict resolution through group therapy.
And from the American Art Therapy Association, the definition of the profession: Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art. Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals. Art therapists work with people of all ages: individuals, couples, families, groups and communities. They provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; open studios and independent practices.
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