Art Therapy

There are a number of alternative ways to connect. Unfortunately, for those who are not highly verbal, traditional types of communication, including talk therapy, it is often frustrating, ineffective and creates more stress for the client. They struggle to express difficult and complicated thoughts and ideas through words, when words themselves may be part of the problem.

People with expressive language problems, like those affected by stroke, brain impairment, intellectual difficulties or abuse or accident, can find that conventional forms of psychotherapy and rehabilitation are not feasible. While this may be valid due to communication issues, an alternate choice, that of art therapy, may be the best option for treatment.

Art therapists deal on a number of diverse client groups. It covers both children and parents as well as the elderly. Sometimes, particularly though there is no communication issue, art therapists are helpful to the individual and there is a degree of ease in sharing intensely held thoughts and emotions by photos. This can can be symbolic or rather real, the uniqueness of the methodology is that it's up to the artist.

A Picture Of Me

Imagine that you should see a therapist in your own self. He or she will have connexions to the interactions you've had throughout your life without needing to utter a word. Via art therapy methods, like drawing , painting, sculpting and even collage work, the individual is encouraged to construct a tangible, interactive image of what's going on within his own head. There are no arbitrary definitions or misconceptions, and physical representation can stand alone or be a springboard for further discussion.

Not An Art Class

When people, and adults in particular, are asked to make a visual representation of something internal they automatically are concerned about being judged for their artistic ability. This, in itself, can create a unique opportunity for discussion between the therapist and the client.

However, art therapy, while some artistic techniques may be taught or explained, is not an art class. The techniques that are used and the images or items created are not judged by anyone, they are simply a mode of expression of inner thoughts and experiences. By allowing the client to just drawn, paint or sculpt the emphasis is on the personal and not the artistic value of the piece.

Depending on the therapeutic technique the art therapist and the client may discuss and talk about the art, or it may be strictly used as a form of self-expression. The value of art therapy here at the Harley Street Office is well recognised and used with many of our clients, all with amazing results.

Posted by : Philippe Jacquet