What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a therapeutic approach in which participants, supported by the art therapist, use art techniques and media to engage the creative process in safely exploring their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, improve emotional intelligence, empower the management of behavior and addictions, develop social skills, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. The aim of art therapy is to increase awareness through supported self-discovery to less conscious emotions, drives, or behaviors which diminish one’s functioning and personal sense of well-being while providing both insight and recovery in a safe therapeutic environment.

What to Expect?

At Lotus participants are welcomed into a therapeutic art workspace where they will be provided access to several types of art media and tools with which art objects are made. Supported by the art therapist participants are encouraged to explore their creativity and creative works to become more aware of themes, metaphors, or stressors that impact their emotional or psychological well-being. The Art therapy approach requires a practiced knowledge of the visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms) and the creative process, as well as of human development, psychological, and counseling theories and techniques. Art Therapy can take many forms, from one-on-one therapy to groups. The participant can expect to analyze and discuss their works together with their therapist to uncover themes, behaviors or drives that impair functioning and provide avenues to recovery.

Who is Art Therapy for?

Art Therapy is for everybody. It is used therapeutically with populations of all ages from childhood to convalescence. Art Therapy is used in several clinical settings such as community outreach, residential treatment centers, inpatient, drug and alcohol treatment, mental health counseling, group therapy, special education, emotional supports settings, family therapy, and more. It is also beneficial for as wide a range of participant populations suffering from different diagnoses and disabilities. Participants need no art experience to engage Art Therapy as there are nearly unlimited approaches to art making. The art therapist can assist, advise and teach many techniques and aid the participant in discovery as well as mastery in a nonjudgmental and safe environment.