Frequently Asked Questions
How does art therapy work?
Art therapy illuminates areas of our subconscious that are difficult to access through traditional psychotherapy and can provide deep insight and healing.
The primary focus of art therapy is, "developing and expressing images that come from inside" ourselves rather than perceptions of the outside world (Malchiodi, 2007).
The purpose and process of art making is different for every client. Some sessions integrate verbal and creative processing, and some are primarily engaging the creative process.
In all cases, creating art is therapeutic in itself and the guided process of making and responding to the artwork can aid to integrate, align, and better one's life.
CLICK HERE to learn more about my approach to art therapy and link to additional resources.
This sounds amazing, but I am the least creative person and NOT an artist!
Can't draw a straight line? Art therapy may be for you! Giving yourself permission to focus on the process rather than the outcome of art making is what makes art therapy effective.
While not everyone is an artist in the traditional sense, we all have the innate ability to express ourselves in an aesthetic way.
What is creative wellness, did you make that up?
Not exactly.
I did search the web quite a few years ago wondering how others use this term. I still check periodically... Take a look, it does exist!
Many definitions are similar, but I love this term because it encompasses what our creativity provides us when we actively engage it.
I define creative wellness as the use of various aesthetic modalities to practice mindfulness and support well-being. In doing so, we engage and integrate both conscious and subconscious processes, learning to experience our lives more fully and authentically.
Why is therapy expensive? How do I know if it's worth it?
Truths: Therapy is not cheap. Therapy can be painful. Therapy can transform your life.
Therapy should be an investment in yourself. While it can be expensive, the right therapist will work collaboratively with you to set goals, track progress, and help you live a more fulfilling life.
Searching for a therapist is difficult. Take advantage of free phone consultations offered by most therapists (me too), and ask questions! If you don't know which questions to ask, check out this article to get you started!
Article: THREE Questions You Should Ask BEFORE You Hire a Therapist
