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alternative therapy, art, Art therapy, artists, creatives, creativity, Emotions, Health, Mental Health, photographers, poets, Psychotherapy, writers
This is a sample article that I wrote a while ago about ART THERAPY – As you will see it is generic in nature and informative as opposed to my usual posts which have a tendency to be personal. I got to thinking that Blog Posts are my new art therapy :).
One day I will share my personal experiences but for now this will suffice for those writers, poets, artists, photographers and all the rest of the lovely people who regularly visit Inspiration Import, who may be interested in the wonders of a non-invasive alternate to traditional therapy.
Art therapy is more than colouring within the lines. On the contrary it has very few lines instilled as guidelines but rather is set up as a freeing experience with no expectations as far as the art portion goes. Picture liberally painting up a storm without knowing what a storm can look or feel like.
Art is an emotion. Period.
Once the concept of freedom and discovery is absorbed the emotional profits are endless.
In a typical art therapy session the attendee is encouraged to paint, draw or create freely with absolutely no end purpose in mind.
Many may think that to participate one must have an art background or at the very least be artistic or creative but this is not the case. Anyone of any age or background can participate in order to ultimately bring their own issues to the surface and then figure out how to resolve them. Art therapy can also be a valuable tool in diagnosing a mental illness. The word mental illness is a far reaching term. It can include feelings of inadequacy, sadness and nervousness on the lighter end of the illness to bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and a host of personality disorders.
There are a few options to those interested in self-discovery through art therapy.
1. One on one sessions with a trained art therapist.
2. Group therapy sessions including up to 6 people.
3. All day therapy session including many participants, usually self-guided with one or two mental health workers present to direct timing and supervise activities.
4. Do-it-yourself therapy within the confines of your own home alone or with friends as an outlet for harboured emotions.
It is classified as an alternative medicine being non-invasive and all encompassing. There are varying opinions on the necessity of holding an advanced degree in order to lead an art therapy session. Certainly it is up to the individual to research the therapists’ qualifications. Asking questions and attending by referral just as with any health care choices is key.
One on One
Expect the same rates as personal psychotherapy. A trained art therapist is highly educated in the field of psychology. The therapist is trained to look for symbolism, theme and colour uses to name a few. Both the creative process and the end product are studied and discussed. The result is a revelation of a combination of subconscious and conscious thoughts that may be difficult to explain in words.
It will be established immediately and likely with a signed paper that any and all subjects, artwork and discussions will remain confidential. This is essential in order to have the trust needed to be comfortable in a group session. Generally the cost is less as there are more participants. The upside of group therapy is that there is an array of issues so no one is ever left feeling as though they are the only ones who carry issues. Generally it is lead by a therapist who also needs to keep the discussions in line with the subject at hand.
All Day Sessions
The participants have normally benefited from art therapy at one time and wish to re-visit the process. The process is self-directed as are the results. Participants are encouraged to inter-act with each other using sensitivity and insight gained from former therapy sessions. A showing of the art produced is examined at the end of the day in the form of an informal exhibition.
Do-It-Yourself
The benefits of producing art and freeing the conscious mind can be utilised at any time with very few tools. A box of pastel crayons and paper for instance are easily accessible and can provide much needed peace to a busy mind.
When involved with the actual process of the piece of art without the pressure of producing a masterpiece is liberating and relaxing. It takes some time to ‘let go’ and train the mind to shut out everything excpet the brush, fingers, or tools on the paper/canvas.
“Hill apparently coined the term “Art therapy” in 1942, and in 1945 published his ideas in the book Art Versus Illness. Hill thought that when the patient’s physical resistance was at its lowest this somehow rendered the “animal ego” quiescent and allowed the creative powers of the “spiritual essence” to come through in works of art. On recovery, these creative powers would tend to wane back to the “pictorial commonplace.” He recognised that war was not only physically destructive but also damaged “minds, bodies and hopes” and that the need for psychological healing was even more important than mere physical repair of “property and estate.”He believed that the practice of art, “in sickness and in health,” could turn society away from war by making artistic creativity more appreciated. He saw art therapy as becoming an integral part of the National Health Service.”
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Lesley Fletcher is a writer (freelance, books, content, lyrics, stage plays) as well as a visual artist with a concentration in monoprinting. To learn more about her please visit the tabs here on WordPress or her website at http://www.LesleyFletcher.com
Peace – Have a wonderful day.
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This was such an interesting article Lesley. I love the line “art is an emotion”. I have never considered myself artistic, not in the least, but can see how this would have been a wonderful outlet for me these past several months. I recently picked up a sketch pad, now need to get some different pencils and get on with it!
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Oh LuAnn – you are the perfect candidate for it given your challenges over the past while. Does it occur to you that the gift of travel prior to this time prepared you better to handle things?
Wonderful thing about this type of therapy is that being artistic is not a prerequisite.The main thing to remember is not to perfect what you draw or scribble down. Even if you don’t like what you have done, keep it aside and take a peak later on to really envision the emotions.
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The gift of travel did help us to prepare for this time in our lives, and our current status allowed us the freedom to assist aging parents and be in the area we needed to for Terry’s treatments. Thanks for the mini art lesson. I will definitely keep it in mind. 🙂
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This post helps confirm what I have already noticed about the creative process; thank you! I am more eager than ever to continue with a new art project I’ve started. It brings such peace and joy to dabble in paint. 🙂
Blessings ~ Wendy
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Isn`t it so interesting that having another confirm what we already know is so satisfying and motivating! Wishing you much inspiration on your project. Thanks for coming by Wendy. Lovely to see you 🙂
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An excellent article Lesley, informative and fascinating. I love your words! Love them!!!! From our artistic soul to another! 🙂 xx
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Thanks Penny – appreciated in every way xx
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btw Lesley, I saw this and thought of you, just a week to go on the deadline, but I thought, what the hey, I know your play is longer, but decided to still pass it along my friend! 🙂
http://citytheatre.com/pages/?page_id=3136
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I had a look at the link – thank you very much. If you come across others feel free to send them my way. I have a short script that I may send. Love the idea of going to Miami!
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Thanks for this post, its very informative. I just wanted to clarify one thing – as to the statement “there are varying opinions on the necessity of holding an advanced degree in order to lead an art therapy session. ”
This is not true. To lead an art therapy session, to provide competent ethical practice, one MUST have a masters degree in art therapy. Another thing to look for is ATR or ATR-BC behind the name. This means they are a Registered Art Therapist and/or Board Certified. Very important stuff!
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Thanks for that information. I have attended both peer run and certified sessions and can attest to both. The ones that are run by certified art therapists are naturally higher in quality – and that’s why I suggest looking into credentials just as any other service. The exception to me is those who have been attending art therapy for long periods and offer a less formal setting in their homes. It is more like a gathering of like-minded friends who know each other well and respect the input of each other. In this setting it is essential for attendees to recognise when there is an emotional breakdown or situation that requires a more qualified approach. I can see as I am writing this where it can be emotionally dangerous though.
Again, I thank you for the information.
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I see this as my own music world,, how each topic you mentioned can be so related to say guitar,, and how different styles of music can evoke differing emotions depending on how it is played. I did a post about the emotions a song can evoke,, and how the same song played by different artists create different ones. And I know music is also a great therapy, I have used it as so in the past. not so different music and art.. great read Lesley thanks
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Hi Cobbie, I neglected to mention musicians specifically so your input here is very interesting. I think anyone who is a creative does benefit from learning how to tap onto their emotions. The response to the song varies as you say from each rendition. I know when I watch or listen to someone singing, I am able to identify if they are ‘in the zone’ and inevitably there is a marked difference between singing or playing a piece of music and feeling it. I think it applies to all the arts including writing. Once that tap is turned on, there is a good chance that when re-visiting it the writer wonders exactly how they wrote that and where it came from. Come back and leave your post link here if you have a minute.
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hi again,, the post i refer to is included, It was not an in depth article like yours, it was actually a little experiment that did not work..the responses were not as I hoped..showing different versions of the same song….
http://geetoni.wordpress.com/2013/09/06/portland-town-your-choice/
I hope you enjoy it for what it is.. thank you Lesley….
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You had me @ Art is an emotion. Period. 🙂
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🙂 It is not something new – just a reminder of what we do when we write. Period. 😀
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Hi Les 🙂
I’ve been studying art-therapy for 1year and a half now, and there’s still a long way to go. Not only from the “study” point of view (a lot of freud, winnicott, klein, and all the psychoanalysis stuff) but also an important personal path to make, that each art-psychoanalyst as to go trough, before it is able to help someone.
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Thelma one day I will post my journey. It took two years but it changed my life..it is a brave path and I have no doubt you will flourish. We must have been sisters in another life. Without a long aquaintance our paths seem very similar.
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what a great post, it is true art is emotion and it the best therapy
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Absolutely! 🙂
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Lesley – What a fascinating post! Art therapy really can be a powerful tool. I think that art helps us reach down deep, so to speak, and express ourselves. And that’s got to be cleansing and therapaeutic.
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It even beats free-writes; if you can believe it! 😀
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🙂
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Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat™.
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Thanks Jueseppi (like your new avatar on FB 🙂
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I fully agree. Doing watercolours has been for me an emotion. As well, it is as an artist that I created a community for myself. Listening to the right music is also very important, but art keeps one active and creative. That is fundamental. I thank you for your fine article.
Micheline
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Thank you Micheline for stopping by and for testifying to the importance of the arts and identifying the importance of emotion.
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My privilege.
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