Arts based psychotherapy
Other ways of knowing
In western society the use of language, writing, reading and even thinking in words is privileged over the many other forms of knowledge we humans hold. These word activities are the domain of the frontal lobe of the brain, the part of our brain which is the last to develop as we grow and is sophisticated enough to utilise language.
However the knowledge held in the brains limbic system which is the domain of emotions, relating with others and our pre-verbal and childhood embodied knowledge and memories cannot accessed by words. These parts of the brain hold important experiences, information and ideas which can be accessed through Images, colours, sound, aromas, movement and tactile experience which art mediums can facilitate. Using specific arts therapy techniques and respectful therapeutic enquiry we are able to access this knowledge and utilise it to make meaningful life enhancing change.
A variety of methods and mediums
In an arts psychotherapy session we can, if you choose, use many different modes of creative representation to express feelings and experiences including visual art and sculpture, movement, voice and writing. This is done in conjunction with counselling and other forms of therapy.
The purpose of arts based psychotherapy therapy
There are many different forms of art therapy. I use the MIECAT form of creative arts psychotherapy, the purpose of which is to assist people to learn more about themselves, make meaning of their experiences and to use what they learn to create life enhancing change in their lives.
What happens in a session?
A creative arts therapy session always follows the direction of what holds the most importance or interest for the participant. The arts therapist acts as a companion, present and attentive, offering invitations to use different art therapy procedures, asking skilful questions, making respectful observations and paying attention to what is being said, not said and to the process of what is happening in the session. Because i have training in a number of therapeutic modalities we may decide to include a variety of other techniques and modalities into a session but you will always be well informed and invited to decide what is best for you throughout the process.
No interpretation will be made about your experiences or your representations. The process will bring you to your own awareness, understanding and potential choice for change.
Do I need to be artistic?
No artistic talent or experience is required.
In western society the use of language, writing, reading and even thinking in words is privileged over the many other forms of knowledge we humans hold. These word activities are the domain of the frontal lobe of the brain, the part of our brain which is the last to develop as we grow and is sophisticated enough to utilise language.
However the knowledge held in the brains limbic system which is the domain of emotions, relating with others and our pre-verbal and childhood embodied knowledge and memories cannot accessed by words. These parts of the brain hold important experiences, information and ideas which can be accessed through Images, colours, sound, aromas, movement and tactile experience which art mediums can facilitate. Using specific arts therapy techniques and respectful therapeutic enquiry we are able to access this knowledge and utilise it to make meaningful life enhancing change.
A variety of methods and mediums
In an arts psychotherapy session we can, if you choose, use many different modes of creative representation to express feelings and experiences including visual art and sculpture, movement, voice and writing. This is done in conjunction with counselling and other forms of therapy.
The purpose of arts based psychotherapy therapy
There are many different forms of art therapy. I use the MIECAT form of creative arts psychotherapy, the purpose of which is to assist people to learn more about themselves, make meaning of their experiences and to use what they learn to create life enhancing change in their lives.
What happens in a session?
A creative arts therapy session always follows the direction of what holds the most importance or interest for the participant. The arts therapist acts as a companion, present and attentive, offering invitations to use different art therapy procedures, asking skilful questions, making respectful observations and paying attention to what is being said, not said and to the process of what is happening in the session. Because i have training in a number of therapeutic modalities we may decide to include a variety of other techniques and modalities into a session but you will always be well informed and invited to decide what is best for you throughout the process.
No interpretation will be made about your experiences or your representations. The process will bring you to your own awareness, understanding and potential choice for change.
Do I need to be artistic?
No artistic talent or experience is required.