Visual Plastic Art Therapy

 

Visual plastic arts therapy is one of the four arts therapies, along with music, dance, movement and drama therapy, which uses art and the creative process in a therapeutic context to enhance and promote a person's mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Art therapy is an opportunity to express feelings and experiences through art making. The creation of an image in the presence of a therapist has a unique power. During art therapy the client is encouraged to play, explore and experiment with any art material from a wide range. The therapist supports the client in this exploratory process. The therapy process also involves talking about the experience. During the process, a compassionate attitude is important - caring less about the aesthetics of the image and more about the process and the insights that may emerge. The process of making art can itself have healing power. Safe and professional practice guidelines are followed during therapy, and the content and images are always kept confidential and secure.

Art therapy can help:

  • Self-understanding, expression and exploration;
  • mental health problems;
  • depression;
  • stress and anxiety relief;
  • change and loss;
  • traumatic experiences;
  • support;
  • improving quality of life;
  • relaxation and calming;
  • creative expression, etc.
For children, art therapy can help them cope with difficult life events, such as a serious medical illness, parental divorce or the death of a loved one. Art therapy can also help children struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, depression and learning disabilities, and can help them cope with behavioral and developmental problems such as autism and ADHD.