Group vs Individual Art Therapy: Which One Is Right For You
Art Therapy can exist in a variety of settings, with a variety of populations and with either a group or individuals. In this blog post, I am going to highlight what are some of the differences, similarities and benefits of each. If you’ve been curious about exploring Art Therapy for yourself - this one is for you!
Individual Art Therapy
Individual Art Therapy is a one-on-one experience with you and the Art Therapist. These sessions are held on a consistent basis (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) and are individualized to meet your needs.
In individual Art Therapy, you may:
explore personal history, trauma and current challenges.
build insight and receive feedback through the art-making process.
tailor sessions to meet your specific needs and treatment goals.
develop individualized coping skills to support you.
be held in a safe, private and supportive container.
Benefits of Individual Art Therapy
The biggest benefit to individual Art Therapy is the personalized support that you receive in the session from the Art Therapist. This personalized support allows for you to be fully witnessed and supported by the Art Therapist in your time in treatment. Individual Art Therapy may be most beneficial for processing deep trauma work and nervous system regulation due to this personalized support. This form of Art Therapy also allows for sessions to flow more at your own pace and needs given the day and through the course of treatment.
Group Art Therapy
Group Art Therapy involves two or more individuals coming together in a shared space with an Art Therapist. Group Art Therapy may be directive based where you are given a prompt and materials to complete for the duration of the group or open studio where you are allowed to chose what materials and what you want to work on while you are present in the group.
In group Art Therapy, you are:
held in a container with others that may support deeper social processing.
exposed to group dynamics and socialization.
able to gain new or different insight.
practicing communication and interpersonal skills.
Benefits of Group Art Therapy
The biggest benefit to group Art Therapy is the ability to be witness and witnessed in a social setting by many different individuals. Since you are with other members, you are able to both give and receive feedback which may be reflective of group dynamics and possible challenges you may. face outside the therapeutic space as well. Since it involves more members, engaging in group Art Therapy may be more cost effective or lower in cost from individual settings.
Both individual and group Art Therapy are meant to support you as the client in their different ways. You may choose to have both at the same time for their unique benefits or choose one over the other to better suit your current needs. What is special about them both is the opportunity to use the art-making process as a tool to support you on your healing journey.
If you are in Miami, FL and are looking to be supported by an Art Therapist, I am currently accepting clients for in person sessions as well virtual. Schedule a FREE consultation call with me to learn more on how I can best support you in working together.
