Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the power of creative expression to promote healing, self-discovery, and emotional well-being. Unlike traditional talk therapy, art therapy provides a non-verbal means of communication, allowing individuals to express thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may be difficult to articulate verbally.

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In art therapy sessions, you are invited to engage with various ways of art-making such as drawing, painting, sculpting, collage-making, and other forms of creative expression. The art-making experience serves as a medium through which you can explore your inner worlds, process emotions, and gain insight into your thoughts and behaviors.

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The creative process in art therapy is often spontaneous and intuitive, bypassing the limitations of language and tapping into deeper layers of the psyche. Through the act of creating art, you can externalize your inner struggles, confront unresolved issues, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.

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Art making gives us the chance to pause, express, and notice. Simply having art materials present gives us the invitation to be with ourselves in a deep and meaningful way. Within the process of creating we can make some space for things to unfold. The art provides opportunities to make a mess, to see something new, to notice what is there, to ask questions and be curious, to let ourselves feel and to move through it all towards self understanding and transformation. 

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No art experience is required and you do not have to consider yourself an “artist.” However, I would argue that all humans are artists, and so you are, in fact, an artist after all. The very act of creating and being creative is innately human, but in our modern world, we often forget that we are creative beings. Art therapy provides a space to reconnect with that creativity. 

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In the end, creativity is not just about making art. Creativity is a way to live, to imagine possibility, to explore new ideas, and to make changes in our lives. 

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Art therapy is guided by trained and licensed art therapists who provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their creativity. These therapists are skilled in both art techniques and psychological theories, allowing them to facilitate therapeutic interventions tailored to each individual's unique needs and goals. I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist and a Board Certified Art Therapist, and continue to pursue education and training to further develop my skills in this field. 

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For more information about Art Therapy, please visit The American Art Therapy Association website.