Question 1

What is Art Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the act of art making.  It works by helping clients to connect with and understand their inner world, and towards the development of a client's integrated sense of self, with increased self-awareness and acceptance.
 
The creative process is employed to help clients increase insight and jusdment, cope better with stress, work through traumatic experiences, increase cognitive abilities, have better relationships with family and friends, and to just be able to enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of the creative experience.
 
Sometimes words do not say it all, but by using art, clients can develop a visual language that enables them to gain a different perspective of their situation and facilitates their inner feelings to be expressed in a new way.

Question 2

Is art therapy the same as an art class?

Accepted Answer

NO!  Art therapy workshops are a therapeutic tool.  No skill or artistic ability is required.  Ar therapy workshops are a fun way to explore and express emotions while learning effective coping skills.

Question 3

What kinds of issues can art therapy help with and are offered at Brush Strokes?

Accepted Answer

Art therapy workshops are helpful for a variety of different issues such as:
Depression
Negative Thinking
Anxiety
Stress
Grief
Self-Confidence
Trauma
Relationship Difficulties
Anger
Interpersonal Skills
Post-Partum Depression

Question 4

What is a typical art therapy workshop like?

Accepted Answer

There is no set way that an art therapy workshop unfolds, as each person and group is different, but there are certain aspects that should always remain the same:
 - The session is a safe, confidential, trusting and non-judgmental environment.
 - There is no pressure to use the art material on your first session, it's your session and you      choose when and how to use the materials. 
 - Although art making can be a nonverbal process, it can be useful to reflect on the image        in a verbal way with the therapist or group, but again, this is the choice of the client as          each person's needs are different.

Question 5

What is the cost of an art therapy workshop?

Accepted Answer

Art therapy workshops last 2 - 4 hours and the fee varies from $30 - $60 depending on the project.

Question 6

Are art therapy sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

Contents of art therapy workshops are considered to be confidential.  Confidentiality is an important part of the relationship between a client and therapist and it is protected by the law.  Workshops take place in a group setting, and all members of the group are expected to respect the privacy of other members.  There can be exceptions howeer, such as in cases where the client is considered to be a danger to others or themselves.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions