Art therapy combines visual expression with psychotherapy to help people explore thoughts, feelings and experiences. Creative expression has psychological and physiological benefits, and reflecting on art can promote problem-solving, insight, and fresh perspectives. Its action-oriented nature is energizing and activating. Art therapy is appropriate for people of all ages and levels of artistic experience. NO artistic skill or training is required.
Like other master’s level mental health providers, art therapists are knowledgeable about human development, counseling theories, psychopathology and ethics, in addition to art therapy skills and theories. Art therapists are credentialed by the Art Therapy Credentials Board in the US. In NJ, only licensed art therapists (LPAT) can call themselves art therapists and offer art therapy.
What To Expect
During the first session, we will discuss your issues of concern, and how my approach could meet your needs. The goal is to start building rapport and give you an opportunity to consider if working with me will be a good fit. Communicating your questions and concerns will help us establish a productive relationship.
A typical art therapy session starts with talk therapy, followed by an art therapy prompt, which is designed to spark a conversation in the latter part of the session about how the art relates to your therapy issues. As you become familiar with art therapy, we can take a collaborative approach to choices about art materials and processes.
