Typically when I tell someone that I am an art therapist, they are surprised and a bit unsure of what art therapy is. I am a psychotherapist but I use art to help clients build strengths and discover different perspectives to the issue at hand.
Art therapy is a mental health field that requires a Masters in Art Therapy to practice in the USA and many other countries including Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. In the USA, some states require a license to practice. The field is getting attention with the press, as increasing research highlights the rewards of making art. For more information please refer to The American Art Therapy Association website https://arttherapy.org
The Hong Kong Association of Art Therapists is the best place to find a professional and qualified Art Therapist locally. Hong Kong does not require a formal education in order to practice in the field. http://hkaat.com
What does art therapy offer?
I believe that art therapy is an inspiring, insightful and often playful way to get things that are recycling around in your mind out in a creative visual form. The purposful process allows you time and distance to work while you give your thoughts and emotions form.
Art Therapy accesses the creative part of the brain, the right-brain. The creative right brain allows imagination, creativity and play; perhaps giving the logical, judgmental left-brain a rest for a bit. Art Therapy gives you power and choices. You can tear up your emotions and create something new with the pieces. You can literally put yourself into a picture or take yourself out. The possibilities are endless!
I am not talking about making masterpieces! It doesn’t matter if you haven’t picked up a crayon or paintbrush since you were young. You will be with me and my goal is to keep you safe with success-oriented techniques to help you find direction for discovery and clarity.
Can I read into your mind through your art? NO, only you can tell your story.
The physical acts of scribbling, ripping paper or molding clay are therapeutic in nature and can reduce anxiety. The mind is engaged and the artist can get so involved with their work that they actually get a break from a busy mind and loose track of time (called a state of flow).
Sometimes there may not be words for your emotions or your creations but you and I will witness the feelings evoked through your art together. Your artwork, over time will offer you a record of your thoughts and progress.
What is my therapeutic philosophy?
My approach to therapy is with theories aligning with Positive Psychology. I believe that wellness gives power!
We will work together, setting goals, building on your strengths to help build your self esteem with self expression which may offer you tools and the power to battle the tough stuff.
We will not be ignoring problems or trauma but rather building means to soften or change their form. It can be difficult to see our strengths and sometimes we are harder on ourselves than we would ever be on anyone else!
Art Therapy can help you build hope, self-esteem and healing. For example, art making can offer the tools to process anger with out the consequences of physical or verbal outbursts.
Art Therapy can help reduce stress anxiety with engagement in the art process.
You can creatively process thoughts and emotions in a safe place with support and inspiration.
The therapeutic relationship is one of trust and I take it very seriously. I studied within the American education system and I follow the ethical guidelines of the American Art Therapy Association.
