Arts therapy is a recognised form of psychotherapy that uses a range of arts methods to help express and regulate emotions, and acquire self-awareness, self-confidence and self-belief. It is akin to counselling except that the focus is far less on words and more on bringing thoughts/feelings/issues to conscious awareness through the arts, and then deriving meaning from this using words.
Arts therapy is NOT about making 'pretty pictures' or being 'artistic'. It is about the process of expressing and making discoveries from it. Expressing might be making marks on paper or forms out of plasticine or a collage of images torn out of magazines or movements with your body or words thrust together in poetry, and more.
What happens in a typical session?
After a discussion of where you are at, you will be invited to explore various arts methods and media (eg visual art, sculpture, collage, nature based art, movement, sound, writing). We then use this as an entry point for further exploration and meaning making. I may also incorporate breath work, mindfulness and/or visualization into a session, depending on your needs.
Do I need to be good at the arts then?
Definitely NOT! The arts are used as a medium of expression so NO specific arts-based skills are needed whatsoever. Coloured scribbles; stick figures created from found materials such as pine cones/sticks/sellotape; collages of magazine clippings; scrunched up paper etc - are all perfectly fine in arts therapy because its all about expressing and what feels right for you.
What do I need?
For arts therapy online (via zoom) you will need:
a computer – desktop or laptop with a mouse, or a tablet with a pen. It is possible to use a smart phone but this will likely restrict our ability to do these sessions. All technology requires a working camera and microphone, and a good internet connection.
A safe and private space where you will be free from interruptions during your session. Optional use of headphones aids confidentiality although it does restrict movement.
Some basic art supplies such as paper, pencils, felt pens or pastels or whatever you have on hand (additionally zoom has a whiteboard that we can use instead of physical materials, provided you have a mouse or pen to use with your computer or tablet). I may ask you to collect natural materials, found items, old magazines etc for some sessions, prior to the session and dependent on your circumstances.
For arts therapy via mobile service you will need:
A safe and private space with a table/desk which can be used for art creation, and sufficient space around it for movement and/or breathing exercises... and that's it as I provide all the arts materials, although I may occasionally ask you to collect things such as natural materials or old magazines in advance of a session.
How might I benefit?
safely feel and express emotion;
develop greater self-awareness and self-belief;
create strategies for coping with challenge;
find new perspectives on existing issues;
enhance wellbeing;
reconnect with yourself
What do you currently offer?
An online service (via zoom) is now available and a mobile service will soon be available within the Tasman area (more information on actual area coming soon). The focus of these services is self care particularly for adults . Please email me at empowerartnz@protonmail.com or text me on 0272486116 to organise a free 15 minute phone consultation so we can see if this is likely to be a good fit for you. If you have any general queries please also feel free to contact me.
