What is art therapy?

(Above image) Dropping acrylic paint on a page and taking an imprint from it. What do you see in the image?

 It’s a different, unique approach to therapy using creativity, and basically, allows people to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions using a variety of mediums.

Historically, art has been around for thousands of years in many forms, and dates back before any formal training programs or licensing certification for art therapists.

In the early 1700's psychiatrists were using the arts as a means of treatment and during the first world war with soldiers who were suffering from shell shock (PTSD). 

In the 40's it became formally taught and art therapy became a profession and used in many different settings. 

 Art therapy helps by working to bring the conscious, unconscious and subconscious into expressive and tangible forms. The creative processes involved in art therapy have been praised for its ability to encourage personal growth, mindfulness, and self-discovery and self-esteem. 

 (Above image) The folds of the crumpled paper revealed flowers which were accented with sharpie markers.

Art therapy isn’t about being able to draw! It’s about the process of creating artwork that’s your own.  You don't have to be an artist to participate in art therapy. Art therapy is also a form of psychotherapy because there is a therapeutic component to the sessions. 

If you’re looking for therapy in Thunder Bay, or a therapist in Thunder Bay, and a unique creative approach to therapy, you can consider art therapy as a way to seek help for depression, anxiety or PTSD symptoms. 

Art Therapy is about what YOU can do!