Art therapy does not only rest on the visual arts, but also any form of creative expression. Some clients don't respond well to drawing and or painting, often giving the reason that they are not 'good' at drawing. Art therapy, or Creative Arts therapy is not about creating a wonderful piece of art work that you can be proud to show your friends and family. It is about the exploratory process of allowing the body to move the limbs, inviting creative expression... Arts therapy - the arts therapy I am interested in, is more concerned with the process, the process the client moved into and through as the creative expression formed...
Client "B" Female
I have been working with this client for 2 and a 1/2 years. She is a bright and (now) willing participant in the therapy process. 'B' is able to articulate how she feels after an art therapy session... " I know what art therapy does for me, I feel soothed, calm and peaceful at the end of the session". During the 2 and a 1/2 years with 'B' we have explored a range of creative interventions - clay, paint, crayon, pastel, glass, textiles, collage, screen printing, sewing, tie dying, and felting (just to name a few). 'B' particularly enjoyed the glass mandala making, tie dying, collage and felting. 'B' now reports that she "looks forward" to her weekly art therapy sessions.
As an art therapist I am grateful to 'B' for allowing me to companion her on her journey from 'old me - to new me'. I have observed her confidence, self understanding, ability to articulate her feelings and thoughts increase.
