Create. Heal. Grow.
ART THERAPY
"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” - Thomas Merton
WHAT IS ART THERAPY?
Art therapy is an active and engaging approach to exploring our human experience. Utilizing art materials and creating artwork in a therapeutic setting allows for the externalization of our inner experience. By transforming and articulating what we are thinking, feeling, and experiencing internally into artwork, we can gain a different perspective on our experience, and express ourselves in ways that words might not do justice. In art therapy, the process of creating and meaning-making is more important than the final product. With the support, guidance, and care of the art therapist, art therapy can allow for a unique method of self-expression and communication. In art therapy, artwork is viewed as an extension of the artist who created it, imbued with both meaning and mystery.
Art therapy is a mental health and human service profession. Art therapy can be further understood as the therapeutic modality of using visual art materials and engaging in the creative process in the presence of an art therapist. Some of the goals of art therapy include, but are not limited to:
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Self-expression
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Working Through Challenging Life Experiences
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Stress reduction
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Decreasing Anxiety
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Meaning-making
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Expressing Emotion
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Increasing Self-esteem
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Self Love
Art making in art therapy allows us to sink into the present moment and tap into flow, thereby promoting mindfulness and increased self-awareness.
ART THERAPY AT ONYX WELLNESS
Art Therapy at Onyx Wellness is provided by Taylor Beardsall, M.Ed Art Therapist, RYT-200. Individuals of all ages can participate in art therapy, and no artistic experience is needed!
At Onyx Wellness, we offer art therapy for:
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Individuals
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Couples
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Families
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Groups (schools, health care providers, businesses, community events, and other organizations)
DUE TO COVID-19 AND STAY AT HOME ORDERS: ALL SERVICES STILL AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY THROUGH ZOOM! CONTACT TODAY TO BOOK YOUR VIRTUAL SESSIONS!
At Onyx Wellness, we believe that art making is inherently therapeutic and an effective way of expressing ourselves non-verbally. Art therapy allows us to give visual form to our experience: to cope with the challenging and celebrate the joyful.
TESTIMONIALS
“IT CALMED ME DOWN, IT ALSO ALLOWED ME TO LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE”
Art Therapy Participant
Age: 35
“I LOVED DOING ART WITH YOU TAYLOR. I WILL MISS YOU SO MUCH. I ALWAYS FEEL MORE HAPPY AFTER YOUR GROUPS”
Art Therapy Participant
Age: 12
"THE GROUP REALLY HELPED ME GET OUT OF A DEPRESSED MOOD. THE ART FELT VERY THERAPEUTIC. I'M HAPPY I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE"
Art Therapy Participant
Age: 17
"THE ART THERAPY SESSION WAS CALMING, FUN, AND ALLOWED ME TO FOCUS ON THE PRESENT"
Art Therapy Participant
Age: 15
FAQ ABOUT ART THERAPY
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN AN ART THERAPY SESSION?
Initially, the art therapist will explore treatment goals and objectives with participants, and begin to establish the relationship. The art therapist will then identify art therapy art tasks to support the journey toward these goals. The art therapist will provide support and guidance while the participant(s) create. The art therapist can often be understood as a “third hand” during artmaking, and is there to witness, hold space, and encourage participants through the process. Additionally, the art therapist is there to listen and provide support to participants if emotional concerns arise through the art making process. The art therapist and artist(s) can then work together to discuss and explore the art making process: how it felt to create, insights brought to the surface through artmaking, and how the artwork relates to concerns or situations in the participant’s life.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED?
In art therapy, different mediums and art materials are linked to different therapeutic experiences. For instance, some materials encourage deeper emotional expression, and others provide more control and containment. Materials are determined based on individual/group goals.
Some examples include (but are not limited to):
Paint
Ceramics
Paper
Collage
Fiber Arts
Pencils
Pastels
Beads + Embellishments
and more!
IS ART THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?
Are you looking for a creative way to explore a challenging life situation?
Do you have a difficult time expressing your thoughts and feelings with words?
Does talking about your experiences feel uncomfortable?
Are you interested in reigniting your creative spark?
Do you want to cultivate more mindfulness?
Are you a sensory and/or visual learner?
Do you like to make art?
If you answered yes to any of these, then perhaps art therapy may be an ideal method of self-care and self-exploration for you!
The best way to determine if it is a good fit is by trying and engaging in the process.
“Through integrative methods, art therapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. Kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities invite alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication, which can circumvent the limitations of language. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience, and empowers individual, communal, and societal transformation.”
The American Art Therapy Association
For more information about art therapy visit: www.arttherapy.org