Art Psychotherapy at Bare Health
By Elle Hopkins
It is my experience that giving expression to our need for creativity
gives human beings a deeper sense of fulfilment; it requires the transformation
of patterns that may be blocking us, and the courage to move forwards and
finding meaning amid life’s uncertainties.
The use of art in psychotherapy can add another dimension to the
way issues are explored in the therapy room. An image, such as a drawing,
painting, collage or a clay figure can richly express what is being communicated
in the therapy. The art psychotherapist, in witnessing the client’s
exploration, can support the process of art making and encourage thinking and
reflecting linked to the image and to the client’s insights.
Art psychotherapy is not about artistic skills; whether a client
is good or bad at art, or about the psychotherapist interpreting the work for
the client. It is about being curious and playful in exploring meaning with the
client. In art psychotherapy, the process of art making and how the client
experiences this is also fundamental.
Talking, although a fundamental human way of expression, is by no
means the only way that we can give expression to our experience. Taking place
at the client’s pace, art psychotherapy can be a powerful tool to bring about
change and transformation and help to work towards the unique process of
developing a creative approach to life, whatever that may mean for the client.
As in other forms of psychological therapies art psychotherapy also utilises
the safe and boundaried relationship between the client and therapist as an
agent for change.
Who can benefit from art psychotherapy?
The
versatility of art psychotherapy makes it accessible to a range of different
people. It can be particularly beneficial to those who have tried other forms
of talking therapy and found it difficult to express themselves. Art psychotherapy
tends to look at issues in a different way and can help participants to tap
into emotions that have previously been buried or ignored. Anyone who finds it difficult to talk about their
feelings or feels distanced from their emotions. Art psychotherapy can help
with depression, anxiety, trauma related issues, grief and loss. Art psychotherapy
can help to improve communication skills and offers an easy way for participants
to express themselves and deal with their feelings in a healthy way. Tapping
into the creative part of the brain helps to lower stress levels and restore a
sense of personal identity. This type of therapy can help clients regain a sense
of control, freedom and self-expression.
Being
creative in this type of safe, therapeutic environment can be revitalising and
often lifts mood. The sense of freedom and lack of judgement that is felt
within art psychotherapy can be cathartic and unique when compared to other
more traditional forms of psychotherapy.
What happens in an art therapy session?
During your art therapy sessions, your therapist may ask you to
engage in creative activities. These are designed to help you explore your
emotions and feelings in a new, creative way. Sometimes the therapist may ask
you to make images of your choosing without giving you any particular
direction.
What qualifications does an art therapist need?
Art therapists and art psychotherapists are regulated by the
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). This means that their title is
legally protected, and only individuals that are registered with the HCPC can
call themselves an "art therapist".
If you feel this is something that you would find helpful to support
your emotional and psychological wellbeing please contact
Elle Hopkins BA Hons, MA. HCPC Registered (AS13975) /BAAT Registered Art
Psychotherapist
Or Email catdragon_76@yahoo.co.uk
You can also send me a
direct message on Facebook via my page @ellehopkinsart
Or Instagram via elle_hopkins_art
for an informal discussion and further information.
