Art Therapy
Art Therapy in an integrative mental health and human service profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families and communities through creative processes and active art making. It is not focused on the product of the artwork, rather it focuses on the process of art making which facilitates healing, growth, self-awareness, and enhances mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing. A qualified Art Therapist will apply psychotherapeutic theories and techniques to support you through creative processes within a trusting and professional therapeutic relationship. These creative processes may include drawing, painting, colouring, writing, clay, collage making, poems, writing, music and movement. They can be held indoors (e.g. therapeutic room) or outdoors (e.g. nature).
Benefits of Art Therapy
Research has found Art Therapy to be a revolution in health care which can improve one’s mental and emotional health as well as prevent cognitive decline (Jones 2020, Lee et al 2019). Art Therapy is known to help individuals form deeper and more creative relationships with themselves by providing a safe space to explore and express emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Art Therapy can also help individuals gain insight into their inner world, increase self-awareness, and develop a greater sense of self-acceptance (Kaimal et al 2016, Schouten et al 2015).
Art Therapy is also a powerful tool which can help:
Foster a sense of safety and sense of self.
Gain insight into your inner being and external world.
Give voice to experiences and feelings not easily expressed with words.
Grow self awareness, self esteem and self acceptance.
Promote creativity, change and personal growth.
Cultivate emotional resilience and improve emotional regulation.
Practice mindfulness and grounding skills.
Help reduce and manage stress.
Calm your nervous system.
Improve social, cognitive and sensory motor functions.
Support with processing trauma and moving through transitions.
By involving consciously engaged breathing and bodily movements with art, it can increase trust and calmness whilst providing internal change in thought, attitude and feeling (Siegal 2019, Tremblay 2020).
Visit Art Room Therapy Blog for more information.
FAQs
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Art Therapy uses creative processes such as art making as a tool to reach therapeutic goals. Art Therapy is not focused on the product of the art work, it focuses on the process of art making which facilitates healing, growth, self-awareness, storytelling and enhances mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
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Art Therapy does not require any artistic experience or skill. People who come with no artistic experience and partake in Art Therapy typically feel calm, insightful and freeing. It is the art making process which facilitates healing, not the final product.
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Research has shown that adults can also benefit from Art Therapy. You don’t need any art experience to benefit from expressive therapeutic arts, and sessions will always be customized to match the needs and interests of the individual or group. This means it can be used for all ages.
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Generally, the Art Therapist will typically observe silently and will engage with you in different ways, depending on your preference and comfort. Sometimes the Art Therapist may create art alongside you, or engage with you in conversation during some or all of the time. If the participants prefer, some light music might be used to help create a comfortable, relaxed and creative atmosphere.
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After a decade of inclusion, Art Therapy has recently been removed from being recognised as an evidence based therapy support. This decision is devastating for all NDIA community. Fortunately, Michelle is a qualified Social Worker who has a membership with the AASW. NDIS participants can still access therapeutic support from Michelle via Social Worker profession (under Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living) . Cost of each session is in line with the NDIS price guide (1 hour $193.99 GST free).
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We offer both in-person (Geelong) and online (Zoom) sessions. We see the power of face to face connection, however we also acknowledge the convenience for online sessions.
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A cancelled appointment is considered late when it’s within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment time, or not attended at all. The first cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment will not be subject to a late cancellation fee. Subsequent late cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled appointment will incur 100% of your appointment cost.
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In person and online private Art Therapy sessions cost $220. In person sessions include a range of art materials (pencils, pastels, paper, watercolour, acrylic paint, collage embellishments etc). If you are a student or are experiencing financial difficulties but want to access art therapy, please contact Michelle directly to discuss cost options.
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Typically 50 minutes. Session length and option for breaks can be discussed with Michelle during initial session.
Michelle Joseph
Email michelle@artroomtherapy.com.au
Free 15 minute chat available Monday - Friday