The Use of Art in Therapy
Creativity in art therapy is used to activate the client’s self-realization process to form an authentic understanding of themselves, by uniting their unconscious mind, wishful thinking and reality (Erickson, 2018). Creativity allows an individual to discover not only their true self but also their full potential (Redekop et al., 2017). The art making process in therapy is a vehicle for self-realization by helping the client to access important events in their past, that lie out of reach of their everyday awareness (Redekop et al., 2017). Sigmund Freud saw art making, such as spontaneous drawing, as the means to access and communicate with the unconscious mind (Redekop et al., 2017). The art therapy process leads to the client finding deeper meanings and understanding from within themselves (Redekop et al., 2017). The therapist’s role in art therapy is to display compassion and to create a space in which the client feels safe enough to understand themselves (Erickson, 2018). It is also important for the therapist to provide activities that engages the client, to better help them find meaning in their art making and in the symbols they use (Erickson, 2018). The therapist’s role is to walk alongside the client, question their experience and to explore the client’s feelings such as isolation, loneliness, or guilt (Dehing,1992). Art can also be used as a tool to re-establish a sense of control for the client by exploring an alternate sense of self from a place of safety (Matić, 2020). Experimenting with an alternate sense of self, helps clients to experience new ways of thinking and acting in a safe, non-judgemental space (Matić, 2020). A visual representation of the client’s situation can create clarity and provide meaning (Erickson, 2018). A pictorial image creates a shared view and understanding for both the client and the therapist as art and symbols are not limited by words (Erickson, 2018). The self-realization journey, whether gradual or swift is personal and unique to everyone (Erickson, 2018). Karen Freud, Vaughan counselling and Psychotherapy’s registered Art Therapist, helps individuals and children 4+, Teens, Young Adults, and Older Adults. Her specialties include anxiety, stress, depression, emotional regulation, self-care, boundaries, coping with life changes, issues related to aging, identity, self-esteem/self-regard, confidence, addiction recovery aftercare.
References
Dehing, J. (1992). the therapist’s interventions in Jungian analysis. journal of analytical psychology, 37(1), 29–47.
Erickson, J. (2018). Jung and the neurobiology of the creative unconscious. journal of Jungian scholarly studies, 13(1), 73–85.
Matić, J. S. (2020). Encounter with Shadow and Its Manifestations in Fairy Tales and Literature. Art + Media Journal of Art & Media Studies, 23, 149–158.
Redekop, F., Luke, C., & Malone, F. (2017). From the couch to the chair: Applying psychoanalytic theory and practice in counseling. Journal of Counseling and Development, 95, 100-109. Shore, A. (2013). The practitioner's guide to child art therapy: Fostering creativity and relational growth. New York, NY: Rutledge