Whereas, art in therapy is used to explore one’s inner world, thoughts, and emotions. What matters is what the client sees in the picture that they have drawn, what it means to them, and what unconscious information is being revealed through it. It can used to understand the perception of the client, of themselves, their circumstances, as well as how they view the world. It’s not just the content of the picture that is taken into account but also the colors, shapes, lines, etc. The client and therapist both would study and try to uncover the meaning of each of those aspects. 

You don’t have to be a professional artist for using art in or as therapy. As for art in therapy, many people find it quite liberating, empowering, and deeply insightful. 

There are various techniques that are used in art therapy:

 

• l  Collage
• l  Coloring
• l  Doodling 
• l  Drawing
• l  Painting
• l  Photography
• l  Sculpting

 

Who is it for?

 

• l  People experiencing severe stress
• l  Children with behavioral issues
• l  People who have experienced a traumatic event
• l  Children with learning disabilities
• l  People that have trouble with effective verbal communication
• l  People with aging and geriatric issues
• l  Children or adults struggling with family or relationship issues
• l  People with anxiety disorders
• l  People with eating disorders
• l  People struggling with grief
• l  People who want to get in touch with their emotions

 

Art therapy can be used in combination with other forms of therapy. An art therapist is trained to conduct the process smoothly (and without judgment), make useful observations, and help generate insight in the client.