When I tell people that I am an art therapist, more often than not, I get a puzzled look followed by the now familiar question, “What does that mean? Do you teach art?”. By now, I should be miffed by this recurrent inquiry, but I am not because I have another opportunity to talk about my favourite subject. Moreover, whenever I talk about it, I realize what a fantastic thing it is to achieve mental well-being through art making, even if you have no artistic skills. Art therapy is for everyone, including children, adults, and the elderly.
Art therapy can be done by all individuals with any level of ability, emotional or mental need, or desire for mental well-being. It can be done individually, as a family, or in groups. The only prerequisite is the will to discover, heal, and learn with a trained art therapist who will guide you through the process of art-making and healing.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults with diverse needs. Some may have developmental differences, some may be experiencing emotional ups and downs, and others may have familial problems, issues at school, or, in some cases, serious mental health concerns. An art therapist can address each individual’s needs by tailoring the session specifically to them.
When I work with a child with autism, I am not only concerned with their emotional well-being, but I am also aware of their sensory needs. It is not possible to focus on the mental health of a child who is not well-regulated. Therefore, I use art materials to induce sensory modulation alongside the required emotional work. Engaging with art materials allows the child to achieve sensory regulation and provides them with an opening for communication and expression. For a non-verbal child or one who has difficulty communicating, this can often be a liberating experience.
Sometimes, I get a defiant teenager who is aggressive at home and unhappy at school. The parents are at a loss because their child will not talk to the school counsellor or the talk therapist. They come for art therapy as their last resort. I tell them, “The good news is, that your child does not necessarily have to talk in the session”. All they need to do is be present; the rest usually follows. In the beginning, the child who may be reluctant to make art is typically drawn to art materials and will eventually start engaging with them and the therapist. Sometimes, parents or parents will be asked to join the sessions if there are familial issues. Once again, a conversation may not be necessary as the artwork can do the talking.
It is the process of art-making that lies at the core of the art therapy approach. The art product is not judged for aesthetic quality; there is no right or wrong you can do. The art therapist provides the safety and containment needed to confront difficult and sometimes excruciating emotions. Art-making can tap into the innermost aspects of the psyche that words may not have access to. Children, especially, cannot be expected to know why they are feeling depressed, angry or defiant. However, the images they make can tell us pretty much what is going on.