Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that relies on the creative process itself, rather than the finished ‘artwork’ or words alone, to promote wellbeing, self-esteem, and self-awareness for the client. By accessing the creative aspects of ourselves, new pathways to insight, self-awareness, personal growth and healing are opened up to us.
In the 1940s the profession of art therapy emerged simultaneously in both the UK and the USA, and is now practiced in many countries around the world. In Australia today art therapists work in private practice, schools, palliative care, prisons, and throughout the healthcare spectrum. Art therapy is suitable for people of almost all ages - from toddlers to the elderly.
In my art psychotherapy practice I focus on bringing together my understanding of trauma, grief, personal choice, individual potential, and the need for personal insight and growth that is so very vital to us as human beings. Via the art therapy process I work to facilitate a successful integration of a client’s innate desire for self-expression and their urge to feel ‘heard and understood’. This is built on a solid platform of years of research, training, and practical experience, which includes a wealth of personal and cross-cultural knowledge of human experience.
Like any therapeutic process, art psychotherapy can be powerful. Personal issues must be safely and appropriately explored, and addressed with sensitivity. To this end, I focus on my client’s needs and goals, working together within a therapeutic relationship. Each session builds upon the discoveries and work of the last, allowing for individual styles, confidentiality, and personal boundaries to be respected.
The internationally recognised standard of preparation and training for art therapy practitioners is a university Masters degree. For more information about art therapy standards, ethics, and a state-by-state list of Australian registered art therapy practitioners go to http://www.anzata.org/