Art Psychotherapy
What is Art Psychotherapy?
Art psychotherapy is a form of therapy that utilises art media and creative outlets as its primary mode of expression and communication, and is suitable for children, young people and adults. It encompasses psychoanalysis, attachment-based psychotherapy, psycho-education, mindfulness and mentalisation-based treatments.
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”
Art Psychotherapy offers a unique support for mental health challenges. It's a form of therapy that uses the creative arts process to facilitate expression, communication, and healing. Whether you're a parent, or an individual seeking support for yourself or your family, Art Psychotherapy can provide a fresh perspective on mental health treatment options and their potential impact.
Art therapy aims to help individuals express any challenging thoughts or feelings that may be difficult to articulate verbally. It can also provide an alternative approach for those who struggle with traditional talk therapy. Art therapy helps both kids and adults with emotional, behavioural, and mental health issues. It can be used for a variety of challenges and presentations.
What to Expect?
During an art psychotherapy session, the therapist guides the individual through the therapeutic creative process, providing a safe and supportive environment for self-expression and exploration. A common misconception is that art therapy requires making images which the art therapist then interprets. This is not the case. The process is organic, and the therapist helps the client to reflect on and identify personal emotional issues, which may be confusing or distressing. The therapist may offer an art directive, or the client may prefer to explore the art media organically. Art psychotherapy is not an art lesson, and the art created within the sessions is not used as diagnostic tool, but rather as a medium to address emotional issues which may be confusing or distressing for a client. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.
Sometimes no artwork is created, and the sessions can either be talk-based or a kinaesthetic and sensory exploration of art media, enabling a deeper body mind connection to aid in healing and processing.
Who is it for?
Art therapists are trained and registered mental health professionals who integrate psychotherapeutic techniques with art-making. Art therapists work in a client-centred approach, tailoring the therapy to the individual's needs, making it a personalised therapeutic experience.
Art psychotherapy sessions can be particularly beneficial for children with neurodevelopmental conditions. Art therapy for children can provide a non-verbal medium for them to express their thoughts and feelings. Through the therapeutic relationship and art making process, children can improve their emotional regulation and self-esteem. They also develop social skills and empathy, which are crucial for their overall development. Moreover, Art Psychotherapy can enhance cognitive and motor skills. It's a holistic approach that addresses multiple aspects of a child's development.
Art Psychotherapy isn't just for children. Art psychotherapy for adults is a powerful tool for adults grappling with mental health challenges. This therapeutic approach can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health difficulties. It provides a safe space for adults to explore and process difficult emotions.
Moreover, Art Psychotherapy promotes personal growth, self-discovery, and aims to develop coping skills and improve quality of life. It's a journey towards mental wellness that's as unique as each individual.
Art Psychotherapy stands out for its non-verbal approach. It's ideal for those who find traditional talk therapy challenging. Through the creative process, individuals can express thoughts and feelings that words can't capture. It's a form of communication that transcends language barriers and activates both right and left brain thinking. Creative arts therapy like art therapy work is also a particularly helpful trauma informed treatment for patients. Art therapy can assist in processing traumatic events, providing a gentle, non-threatening pathway to healing.
Art Psychotherapy is highly adaptable, tailored to meet individual needs and treatment plans. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach. Art therapy services can be adjusted to suit different age groups, mental health challenges, and personal preferences, making it a versatile therapeutic tool.
About Our Therapists
It is important to choose a therapist who is a good fit for your needs. Our art therapists in Singapore lean on their extensive experience when working with patients as well as their extensive continued training and their degrees and training in art therapy.
Art therapists at our private practice would be happy to talk to you about art therapy for children in Singapore or art therapy for adults in Singapore. As members of the Art Therapists Association Singapore, they have seen many individuals benefit from art therapy. Please feel free to give us a call for a complementary 20 minute phone consultation to learn more about art psychotherapy sessions in Singapore.