One of the main things that I do as an art therapy student is answer the question "So, what is art therapy anyway?" Luckily, I don't mind this question at all! Art therapy is a type of therapy that uses artistic and creative processes to help people express themselves, understand their feelings, and communicate. Art therapy is particularly good at giving the client an alternative to spoken communication. They can make art instead!
Here are some questions I get when the topic arises:
Who does art? You or the client?
It really depends on therapist, the client, and the situation. Sometimes it's just the client, and sometimes the art therapist works alongside the client. And sometimes the client and therapist collaborate and work on the same project. Every client-therapist combo is unique!
Do you interpret people's art work?
No, I do not.
For me, art therapy is more about facilitation than interpretation. My job is to give clients the space and attention (among other things) that they need to be engaged in their own process and connected to me as their therapist.
Additionally, art therapy isn't about what people create as much as it's about why, how it feels to create, which tools and mediums do they prefer, etc.
So, you're going to work with kids then?
Art therapy does have a connotation of working with children. I personally love working with kids. I find them to be impressive and resilient little creatures. I think art therapy is thought of more for kids because making art has strong connections to childhood that it does not have to adulthood. However, I hope to make an art therapy as acceptable for adults as it is for kids.
Email me if I left anything off you'd like to have the answer too! Additionally, check out the American Art Therapy Association website for more info!
Cheers!
Veronica
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