I am an Art Therapist with a specialization in trauma located in New York City. Through my work in the medical and school settings, I learned to embrace all levels of artistic expression and how to use materials one might not actually think of as being art materials. There is so much that we can do as Art Therapists, which is what makes our field so unique. I created this website to act as a resource for those interested in the field of art therapy, those already working in the field, and for myself to chronicle my own journey and learnings in the field.
Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy, but utilizes art to address mental, emotional, behavioral, and developmental struggles. It provides a nonverbal communication method, helps us express things that are difficult to verbalize, and can tap into the unconscious thoughts and feelings one has.
Art therapy can happen in a variety of settings with any population. (It’s not just for kids!)
Some examples are:
• Hospitals
• Schools
• Senior living facilities
• Community centers
• Veteran’s clinics
• Psychiatric facilities
• Rehabilitation centers
Using art can employ the body in a kinesthetic and tactile way that accesses emotions and thoughts without requiring verbal language. It engages the senses in a way that can access trauma and support an individual in processing it. There is no right or wrong way to make art, nor is it necessary to be skilled in a particular art medium to take part in art therapy. Art therapy emphasizes the process, not the product, so what really matters is the making of the art, not how aesthetically pleasing it is. All in all, art therapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that circumvent the limitations of language.
Check out our shop to see a selection of crocheted stress-relieving characters, like Chill Pill!
