What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative non-verbal process of making art combined with counselling to improve a person’s physical, mental, spiritual and emotional well being. It is an alternative holistic approach, where counseling and creative expression is provided in a warm, non-judgmental, safe supportive environment. The creative process involved in expressing one’s self artistically can facilitate the exploration of thoughts and feelings, reduce stress, improve self-esteem and awareness, and create alternative pathways to healing. There is no need to have prior art experience because creativity flows throughout all of us in its own way. Art therapy is more focused on the process of creating and less about the final outcome, it also draws attention to how different art materials and processes make us feel and think.
What does an Art Therapist do?
Art therapists use the process of self-expression, and the resulting artwork to help clients understand their emotional and mental conflicts, develop social skills, improve self-esteem and awareness, assist in self-discovery, reduce stress, and restore well being. Art therapists are trained to pick up on nonverbal symbols and metaphors that are often expressed through art and the creative process, concepts that are usually difficult to express with words. It is through this process that the individual really begins to see the effects of art therapy and the discoveries that can be made.
Group Art Therapy program
Upbeat’s Open Studio group Art Therapy program creates a therapeutic space for people to come together, play, create and have fun through exploring different visual art materials and processes. Art making can provide people a free expressive environment where they can explore themselves through the artwork they create. This program is run by professional Art Therapists who support members in a safe and contained environment to enhance feelings of collective and individual healing through creative community engagement.
Individual Art Therapy Program
Upbeat’s Individual Art Therapy program is a combination of verbal and non-verbal expression that is tailored to a person’s individual needs. It offers alternative ways to explore self through the creative process and gain insight. Individual Art Therapy invites you to deepen, shift, realign and connect to your inner self through authentic creative self-expression and reflection. This one to one space is run by professional Art Therapist’s who guide and facilitate a safe, holding and growth-enhancing environment