Express yourself through art

We are excited to offer Art Therapy at Viewpoint Psychological Services for young children, teens, adults and families.  Individual and group services are available upon request.  Specialty art and expressive therapy groups are forming now.  Ask our support staff for more details, times and dates for the various group art therapy options.
What Is Art Therapy?   Art therapy is founded on the belief that creative self-expression has value for those seeking a deeper understanding and well being for themselves.  According to the American Art Therapy Association it is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Art therapy is the intended use of creative art materials incorporating various forms of visual arts including drawing, painting, sculpture (and related techniques) as a means of communicating openness to the process of therapeutic change and healing.

Who and How Can Art Therapy Help?  Art therapy can help those dealing with chronic illness, mental health or substance abuse disorders in meeting their goals. Benefits of art therapy can engage all populations including children, teens and adults.  
Art Therapy for Children
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Art Therapy for Teens
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Art Therapy for Adults
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Some of the benefits of utilizing art therapy include improving perception, regulating emotions and impulses, behavior adjustment and gaining personal insight. No artistic talent is necessary for art therapy to succeed, because the therapeutic process is not about the artistic value of the work, but about finding associations between the creative choices a client makes, and their own life. Art therapy involves the creation of art in order to increase awareness of self and others. This in turn may promote personal development, increase coping skills, and enhance cognitive function.
Do I have to be creative to benefit from Art Therapy?
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No artistic talent is needed for Art Therapy to succeed because it relies on the tangible interactions and process and does not emphasize the value of the art work or finished outcome alone.  It highlights the therapeutic process and helps find associations between the creative process, problem solving skills, and choices made along with the client’s responses.  No prior experience needed-- only a willingness, curiosity and permission to try. ​
How is Art Therapy different than
art classes?
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Art making is done in a safe confidential place involving a therapeutic relationship.  There is no right or wrong way to make art and the goal is self-expression with a focus on the creative process rather than the art product.  The client decides what happens with the art piece and if whether or not
it is used in future reference during therapy. Visual and symbolic expressions give a voice to experience and empower individuals and groups to make needed changes towards their own
​healing and wellness. ​
What happens in
an Art Therapy session?

​​Art therapy sessions begin just like traditional forms of therapy in gathering information and history about a client’s situation or problem.  From there a client might be invited to use a creative process or art material to react or respond to what was shared or discussed.  At times directed suggestions are made to help a client address issues while other time the process is left open to self-exploration.  The sessions might end with some form of verbal transition, self-reflection or insight gathering about current issues.   Art Therapy can include a wide range of art materials and creative processes. 
               
​ “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.”- Palo Picasso