Individual Art Therapy
What to expect in individual Art Therapy
In individual therapy our associates offer Art Therapy, sandtray, and verbal therapy, and eclectic array of psychotherapy approaches tailored precisely for your needs. No art talent is necessary to obtain maximum benefit from Art Therapy; you’ll succeed by simply trying. If you are comfortable with art materials, you’ll probably dive into the art process. If you’re not, you and your therapist will experiment together to find the right materials and the right pace for you try things out.
Some clients choose to emphasize peaceful art making guided by the therapist. Others prefer verbal exploration of the meaning of artwork. At times, you may even choose to stick exclusively with conversation and verbal therapy; it’s all good! There’s no wrong way to participate in Art Therapy.
It’s a myth that Art Therapists ‘analyze’ your artwork. In truth, it’s a collaborative exploration to help you discover what your images mean to you. When you uncover its meaning, you develop new awareness about yourself, your feelings, your relationships, and your performance that ignites healing and growth. Each clinical associate has a unique skill set and approach.
To search for a therapist who may be a good fit for your needs, please read our professional biographies.
What to expect at the outset of treatment
For new referrals, we offer a free thirty (30) minute phone consultation so you can learn about the therapist’s approach and personality. You and the therapist mutually assess for goodness of fit. Does the therapist have the skill set and experience to help you? Does the therapist feel as though they are able to help? Is there good chemistry on the phone?
Your first sessions: Great therapy always begins with two things: a great assessment of the client’s needs and rapid creation of a sense of safety in a trusting relationship.
If you choose to work with a PhATA associate you will schedule an initial intake session. The first session may consist entirely of a structured conversation in which the therapist learns your personal and psychological history. Time permitting, you may begin an creative arts-based assessment in that same session, or the art assessment may occur during the second session. (Optional: if your challenges involve people in your household, you may discuss with your therapist whether to schedule an optional family assessment.) Don’t think of a Creative Arts Therapy assessment like art class with grades; it’s a visual and artistic way of communicating and getting to know one another quickly and deeply.
After the assessment sessions are completed, you will collaborate on setting meaningful and realistic treatment objectives. We care about your hopes, dreams, and therapy goals, and you’ll ongoingly guide the treatment-planning process throughout your work with us.
