Why it’s Important to do Art Therapy with a Therapist-(not just alone)
Art-making is a beautiful and powerful tool. Many of us spending time doodling in notebooks, have explored using paints in the past and may even use coloring books as a way to self soothe. While engaging in your individual art-making process is an invaluable tool, there is a deeper side to engaging in the art-making process, otherwise known as Art Therapy. Art Therapy is the use of art-making and the creative process as a way to explore, express and regulate emotions, heal past trauma and build self-esteem WITH THE SUPPORT OF A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL.
One of the questions I get asked most often is “why do I need to see a therapist for Art Therapy? Can’t I do it alone?”
And while you certainly can engage in your independent art-making process, Art Therapy is different. Here are some of the reasons why:
Safe, nonjudgmental space
One of the benefits of engaging with an Art Therapist in your art-making process is the engrained level of safety and a lack of judgment. When being witnessed in your process by an Art Therapist, you are free to explore emotions that may at times feel challenging to do on your own. Additionally, you know the Art Therapist will not be judging you but rather holding the space for your exploration.
Turning art into insight
Part of engaging with an Art Therapist involves some time in reflection and curiosity. This may be the therapist guiding your process with reflective questions both about the art itself and also your process. This is something that may feel challenging to do on your own as it can be easy to find ourselves fully immersed in our art-making process. This process also allows for the art to have a deeper meaning versus the physical qualities that we tend to hyperfixate on.
Processing emotions with support
You may notice emotions arising as you engage in your art-making process. Maybe sadness that you have been ignoring comes to the surface and you begin to cry. Or perhaps you find yourself gripping your art materials with force as a way of noticing internalized anger. All of which are part of the benefits of art-making however, it can often feel challenging to do on your own. Having the support of an Art Therapist allows for you to feel supported and not alone in your experience. The Art Therapist may also be able to support you in managing these emotions and guide ways in which the art can help you do so as well.
Creating personalized healing habits
As humans we all have different emotional needs, time and resources available to help us manage our daily experiences. Having an Art Therapist’s support allows for personalization in tools that may help support you outside of the therapeutic space. Similar to the experience of seeking out a doctor to know which food and supplements suit you and your body’s needs, an Art Therapist can support you in finding, practicing and using the tools that will best support you as an individual.
Professional Training
Art Therapists are mental health professionals with a master’s level degree with post-graduate client contact hours and supervision. All of that is to say, Art Therapist’s are trained in their craft in order to support and guide clients through their process in all of the ways mentioned above. Having a practitioner that has the experience and knowledge to support you on your journey allows for greater depth and safety.
Engaging in independent art-making is a beautiful form of self care and is an incredibly valuable tool on your healing journey. But having the support of a trained Art Therapist can and will allow for deeper healing, emotional resilience, insight and support through your experience. If you have ever been curious about Art Therapy or are ready to start your healing journey, I am able to provide you with individual support in both Miami, FL (in person and virtual) as well as in New York (online. Click here to schedule a FREE consultation call today to see if working together feels like a good fit - no commitment needed or art experience required.
