The Therapy Process
An art therapy session is different from a typical therapy session in that the client is invited to make artwork using a variety of media (e.g. pens, paint, clay) and techniques (e.g. drawing, painting, collage). Clients don't need any experience with art or any special talent to benefit from art therapy, because it isn't about making beautiful or life-like pictures. It's about using art materials within a confidential space and therapeutic relationship for the purpose of expression of feelings, thoughts and problems. Many clients, especially adults who are initially anxious about making art find it to be a liberating experience.
Art therapy sessions are confidential and tailored to the specific needs of the client. Where possible consistency is established through meeting at regular intervals over an agreed period of time.
Art therapists employ a variety of methods to assist clients to explore and address issues/topics during the session which may vary from a directive approach (e.g. draw a house, your family or feelings) to free choice, in which the client chooses what materials to use and how to use them. Some clients may even choose not to make art and that is OK . The therapist takes up a respectful position in which she seeks to "journey" alongside the client.
Typically during the first three to four meetings, the client’s experiences are usually explored through a combination of directive and non directive approaches. The goal of these first sessions is to help the client to develop trust in the therapist as is often not easy to communicate issues or feelings that are deeply personal and private. These sessions are also used to clarify the reasons for seeking therapy. Together the therapist and client will also agree on the number of sessions needed.
In subsequent session with adults the art therapist will invite the client to explore goals for therapy and work on finding ways to cope and improve quality of life.
In sessions with children the therapist will invite the child to engage in art making or other expressive modalities such as play therapy.
When children and adolescents have been referred for art therapy the therapist will arrange to assess the child over a period of 2 to 3 sessions. Feedback is then given to the caregivers/parents and therapy begins, once a week. Regular feedback is given to the caregivers so that they are better able to understand the thoughts, feelings and behaviour of the child and so that the therapist and parents can work as a team to help the child. Such feedback is provided in a way that includes the caregivers while still respecting the private world of the young client.
Art Therapy is an interdisciplinary form of psychotherapy. The practice of Art Therapy works across health and medical fields and may integrate approaches from other therapeutic orientations.
Fee structure and the number of sessions required will be discussed and agreed upon in the initial meeting. A sliding fee scale is offered in order to assist clients who may be find the cost of therapy financially challenging.
