Art Therapy

Origins and historical development :

Visual creations as outlets for emotion have long been recognised; indeed, creative people from all disciplines, not just art, take influential ‘inspiration’ from internal feelings. However, in a medical context, it was Freud who is believed to have noticed a patient’s subconscious being able to manifest itself through art. This begins to make real sense when we consider that, if we were to ask a group of clients suffering from an eating disorder to draw a visual image for their internal representation of their condition, it is almost certain every image would be very different. It is then a case of the client exploring the images, symbols and colours that they have created with their sub-conscious; in an attempt to uncover any hidden meanings and understand, accept and then move on from them.

It was after World War II that Art Therapy began to grow, with its use in treating war veterans for trauma. Starting in America but formally establishing itself in the UK with the creation of The British Association of Art Therapists in 1963. Its gain in popularity is partly due to the accessibility and simplicity of picking up a pencil and sketching freely; and the immediate therapeutic benefits that this provides for anyone.

What to expect during a treatment :

Sessions may take place on a 1-1 basis or in small groups; and will typically last at least an hour for adults, maybe half an hour for children. The group sessions have the added benefit of providing an opportunity for clients to interact with others; and the practitioner may be inclined to offer a theme for everyone to work on. 1-1 sessions will be more focussed on complete freedom of individual expression in an attempt to encourage sub-conscious feelings and emotions to surface which can then be explored. A positive relationship between client and practitioner is crucial as the client must feel safe and relaxed so that true expression is allowed. The practitioner may talk to the client so as to encourage greater development of the work in progress; while over time the practitioner will learn to interpret and understand the visual sub-conscious language of the client. The number of sessions will vary depending on what the client wants to get out of it; but many find they benefit from sustained periods of weekly Art Therapy over several months.

No artistic skill or flair is required to benefit from Art Therapy; nor will specific techniques necessarily be taught. There will simply be a choice of working material to use and the client may take which ever media they wish to try, or allow themselves to be guided by the practitioner. Typically, sketching with pencil, charcoal, crayons and paint will be available, together with different types of paper; cardboard and clay.

Conditions suitable for treatment :

Excellent as a general means of self-expression, non-verbal communication and personal development; Art Therapy is particularly useful for addressing mental and emotional problems, including learning difficulties with children, relationship difficulties, stress, depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders and relief for the terminally ill.