Incorporating expressive arts in therapy is a process of discovering ourselves through any means of creative art, may it be drawing, painting, collage, photography, sculpting, music, poetry, movement, dance...
Verbally expressing thoughts and feelings is also a very important part of therapy, however, there are times when words are not enough, or there may be thoughts and feelings we struggle to confront and address, this is when non verbal forms of therapy can be very helpful and enlightening. Part of the therapeutic process is to awaken creativity, to find joy, peace and happiness, this is where creativity and therapy overlap.
Neurobiological research shows that emotional memories and traumatic sensory experiences are stored in the limbic system and right hemisphere of the brain, along with non-verbal, sensory experiences such as images, bodily sensations, and emotions. Expressive therapies such as Sandplay and Art Therapy are thus believed to be effective methods to access any unconscious content locked in the limbic system and bring it into consciousness where it can be cognitively reprocessed and resolved.
When using the arts within a therapeutic setting, one is not concerned about the beauty of the art or the correct grammar or punctuation of a song or poem. The art is used as a means to let go, express, release, it's a personal journey that comes from an emotional depth, it's about the process, not the product.
Art interventions can be used with adults, adolescents, children and families, always taking into consideration the comfort level and needs of each individual.
Verbally expressing thoughts and feelings is also a very important part of therapy, however, there are times when words are not enough, or there may be thoughts and feelings we struggle to confront and address, this is when non verbal forms of therapy can be very helpful and enlightening. Part of the therapeutic process is to awaken creativity, to find joy, peace and happiness, this is where creativity and therapy overlap.
Neurobiological research shows that emotional memories and traumatic sensory experiences are stored in the limbic system and right hemisphere of the brain, along with non-verbal, sensory experiences such as images, bodily sensations, and emotions. Expressive therapies such as Sandplay and Art Therapy are thus believed to be effective methods to access any unconscious content locked in the limbic system and bring it into consciousness where it can be cognitively reprocessed and resolved.
When using the arts within a therapeutic setting, one is not concerned about the beauty of the art or the correct grammar or punctuation of a song or poem. The art is used as a means to let go, express, release, it's a personal journey that comes from an emotional depth, it's about the process, not the product.
Art interventions can be used with adults, adolescents, children and families, always taking into consideration the comfort level and needs of each individual.
