Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy which uses creative making as a primary mode of expression and communication. It can be a helpful process to gain a deeper understanding of self, relationships, circumstance and unconscious processes that may be influencing any individuals life situation. The artwork is used as a medium to address emotional difficulties which may be confusing and distressing and provides a potential space between the client and their emotions to help process their experience in a safe and contained way.
Clients don’t need to have any previous experience or expertise in art. It is not a recreational activity or art lesson and can form an enjoyable part of the therapy.
Art therapy can be used for clients experiencing a wide range of difficulties and can be a a helpful therapeutic process when working with individuals, groups, families, young people and adults.
Art therapists are inspired by many different models of therapy including attachment- based psychotherapy, psychodynamic theory, client-centred approaches, object relations, mentalisation and ‘Exploring the links between neuro-science and art therapy has also been at the forefront of some of the BAAT’s conferences. Importantly, art therapy practice has evolved to reflect the cultural and social diversity of the people who engage in it.’ (BAAT, website see below)
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