Where Feelings Take Shape
Art Therapy
Art Therapy is a mental health profession and is founded on the belief that self-expression through artistic creation has therapeutic value for those who are healing. Art therapy uses the process of artistic creation to facilitate self-expression, self-exploration, and transformation. The images that emerge from the art therapy process are not created with the intention of being aesthetically pleasing. Rather, the goal of art-making is to access one’s inner world and emotions.
Art therapy can be used with people of all ages; in groups and one-on-one. Participating in art therapy does not require skill or prior experience in art as it is primarily about personal expression.
How Can Art Therapy Help?
Art therapy uses the visual creation as a starting point for self-exploration and understanding. Thoughts and feelings are often expressed in greater intensity and with greater ease through images, rather than words. With guidance from an experienced art therapist, feelings and inner conflicts may be put into visual form. Through the creative act, it is possible to externalize a feeling, resolve it, and then re-integrate it, providing closure and understanding.
Art Therapy can be helpful for people dealing with:
Anxiety
Depression
PTSD
Life Transitions
Healthy Development of Coping Strategies
Trauma
Self-Esteem
Art Therapy for Teens 15+
I offer a safe and nurturing environment, where youth and teens facing a variety of life struggles can feel safe to express their feelings, process difficult experiences while strengthening their resiliency and personal resources. Art psychotherapy can be a powerful tool for treating youth and teens going through difficult life experiences or emotions that are too complex to express in words alone.
Areas of Support: anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, perfectionism, bullying, low self-worth, school challenges, emotional regulation, and stress.
How Can Art Therapy Help Teens?
Art therapy uses the visual creation as a starting point for self-exploration and understanding. Thoughts and feelings are often expressed in greater intensity and with greater ease through images, rather than words. With guidance from an experienced art therapist, feelings and inner conflicts may be put into visual form. Through the creative act, it is possible to externalize a feeling, resolve it, and then re-integrate it, providing closure and understanding.
Art therapy is a perfect way to allow youth to communicate difficult thoughts and feelings through various artistic mediums. Art therapy assists teens in solving problems, increasing self-esteem, building social skills, behaviour management, and treating anxiety and depression.
What to Expect:
During an art therapy session with youth, I provide the individual with a safe and confidential space to work through challenges. My goal is to help your teen express their thoughts and feelings, and learn more about themselves, while discovering their strengths through the process.
Label and express emotions in a healthy way
Adolescents may have limited ability to label and express their emotions through verbal communication. Art helps them express themselves non-verbally first. Then they’ll have time to explore the meaning of their work. This and the time spent with their therapist will help them label and express themselves better to others.
Improve interpersonal and behavioural issues
Teens can express their underlying emotions linked to interpersonal and behavioural issues through art, as well as other possible factors contributing to behavioural changes like family dynamics, conflicts with their peers, etc. The therapist can help the client redirect their feelings and negative behaviours through creative ways and safely address the underlying issues.
Increase relaxation and self-regulation
By engaging in the creative process, youth can learn to identify, understand, and manage their emotions more effectively, fostering emotional regulation and resilience. integrating mindfulness and relaxation techniques into art therapy sessions can help youth develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, and stress reduction skills.
Recover from trauma
For teens who have experienced trauma, art therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for them to process their experiences, express their emotions, begin the healing process, and develop tools to help them cope with the impacts of the trauma.
Enhance self-esteem
As adolescents explore their creativity and develop new artistic skills, they can experience a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Art therapy can provide a calming and therapeutic outlet for individuals experiencing stress and anxiety. The creative process can help alleviate symptoms and promote relaxation.
