Art Therapy For Effective Counseling

By Nora Bearman


Art therapy is a form of counseling that introduces art as a coping mechanism and a healing tool, while giving the therapist a better impression of the patient and his needs. An art therapist educated in both arts and psychology can interpret feelings and possible traumatic events through different forms of testing and observation. Art therapy sessions are held in therapist offices, as well as non-traditional venues such as schools or galleries.

The art produced by individuals in a session is utilized in various means, depending on the individual's sort of therapy and his goals. A therapist could ask a patient to paint or draw something particular, or appoint a project that enables the patient to communicate his sensations aesthetically so the therapist could then interpret and examine the product. This permits a therapist to study the development of the patient throughout therapy and it permits the specific to engage in non-verbal expression.

Art therapy works well with many children. It is practiced by some marriage and family counselors who need a better way to communicate with young children. Art is also known to help with children that have issues with hyperactivity and other learning disorders. It is practiced in special education classes to help children overcome learning disabilities, stress and social issues.

The exercises done in art therapy sessions allow people with stress and anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses to discover ways to handle showing and picturing their goals. Many people with eating ailments are additionally introduced to art therapy because it allows them to learn to imagine how they see themselves and adjust their ideas to help them accept that they have a condition.

Art therapy combines art making and counseling to help patients get through the healing process and achieve their goals. This type of therapy is used in many environments with a broad range of patients and it is highly successful in situations where additional coping skills are necessary for a patient's development.




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