Art Therapy- When Words Aren't Enough
Art therapy combines traditional clinical counseling methods and psychological theory with the creative process of art-making. Art is used to provide alternate forms of communication, promote psychological growth, explore different parts of the self, increase self-awareness and stimulate the whole brain. Some of the outcomes of art therapy include an improved sense of well-being, greater self-awareness, reduced anxiety, decreased feelings of depression as well as increased feelings of connectedness and belonging. At My Favorite Day, PLLC, art therapy is also used to teach skills such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT including mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation and distress tolerance), Mindful self-compassion and somatic experiencing.
One does not have to be an artist or have artistic abilities to benefit from art therapy. It is not about making art that is aesthetically pleasing to viewers, it is about the process of creating and communicating an inner world that words may not fully describe.
One does not have to be an artist or have artistic abilities to benefit from art therapy. It is not about making art that is aesthetically pleasing to viewers, it is about the process of creating and communicating an inner world that words may not fully describe.
Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy?
Art therapy has been successful in treating individuals of all ages who are experiencing a wide range of symptoms and states including depression, anxiety, loss & grief, creative blocks, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood disorders, addiction, behavioral disorders, gender identity issues, relationship issues and systematic racism. It can be useful for people in every stage of human development and all abilities, including those that are neurotypical and neurodivergent, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Who Conducts Art Therapy?
To conduct art therapy in the State of Texas, a clinician must be a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a registered art therapist (AT-R or ATCB). The Art Therapy Credentials Board governs the ethical and competent treatment of clients through the credentialing of art therapy professionals
(https://www.atcb.org/).
(https://www.atcb.org/).
Explore Evidence-Based Art Therapy Support
With years of clinical experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Art Therapist, I offer art therapy as a research-supported approach to self-discovery and emotional wellbeing. Take the first step toward meaningful change by reaching out today to see if art therapy is a good fit for you.
Examples of Art Therapy
All artwork pictured here is by Tressie Seegers, MA, LPC, AT-R