Expressive art therapy uses the creative arts as a form of therapy. Similar to art or dance therapy, expressive art therapy uses the creative process of each individual to promote healing. The goal of expressive art therapy is to facilitate self-discovery, increased awareness, connection and understanding. The act of creating art helps to unlock the expression of inner feelings, and the creative process is the path toward better emotional health. Rather than focusing on the final product, the process of creation via nonverbal language is the emphasis. This type of therapy is often used with children, who may participate in music, movement, or finger painting while the therapist observes the activity and encourages the child to talk about the experience. Adult clients might journal, dance, or create videos in order to connect better with themselves and others. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s expressive art therapy specialists today.
I was trained in expressive arts through my graduate program and enjoy using drawing, painting, sand tray, play therapy, and drama therapy to help support your growth. Let me know what your interests are and we\'ll find a way to incorporate it into your treatment plan!
— Sprout Therapy PDX, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, ORI am a certified expressive arts practitioner (CEAP) and I integrate this work both in person and in Telehealth settings in cases where it may be helpful for one to get out of their head to discover feelings that may be lingering. Expressive arts is used as an adjunct and is a multi-modal approach to healing. It may include; dance, drama, journaling, music, writing and more.
— Michelle North, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Encinitas, CACreativity like visual and 3D arts, writing, poetry, and movement can all be amazing ways to express and explore emotion, challenge our inner critics, and flex our ability to imagine new possibilities.
— Adrian Eraslan, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CAWhile I work remotely I do a great deal of art therapy with clients who are interested. I send materials to clients homes, as well as do art therapy with material individuals have at home.
— Rachael Rosenberg, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los altos, CAI am trained in expressive arts techniques which provide people with opportunities to connect with themselves through different mediums and in more abstract ways. I use a technique called PeaceLove to help people safely create an understanding of what brings them peace of mind by reaching that state through artistic expressions.
— Kate St. Onge, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Burlington, CTArtistry not required! I use active imagination to explore images, symbols, and dreams. These share a common thread in containing messages from the unconscious. Psyche communicates to us in the world of symbols and images. I have specialized training in Dream Analysis, Painting Therapy, Spontaneous Drawing, and am currently enrolled in a 2-year Sandplay training working with symbolic image creation. Let’s decipher the messages from your unconscious to realize your higher Self!
— Rebecca Spear, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CASome think that Expressive Arts are only for "Artsy" people or children but this couldn't be further from the truth! In my work with adults (engineers, priests, musicians, data analysts, and more) expressive arts approaches like sand tray therapy techniques, collage, painting, drawing, and more have helped people have epiphanies that they never experienced in traditional talk therapy (which is great btw!). By exploring the mind in a different way, we can unlock things hidden from ourselves!
— Garrett Graves, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in DeLand, FLWorking with adults, children, and young adults, one of my goals is to harness the power stored in creative expression. Many feel that Art Therapy is for children or teens, or certainly for artists. Jungian therapy uses the arts as a portal to express the higher Self, which includes the desires of the unconscious. In this manner, exploring images or music from dreams, or any images that arise while we talk, is therapeutic in connecting you to your soul’s longings!
— Rebecca Spear, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CAIn addition to traditional art therapy, I also use other forms of expressive therapies including narrative, geek therapy, comic therapy, and use gamification to help clients achieve their goals.
— Alison Maples, Counselor in Troy, MII utilize Expressive Arts Therapy to aid clients in identity exploration, emotional processing, and creativity building. Incorporating drawing, painting, sculpture, and writing into the therapeutic process can help folks discuss things they may not have the words to express.
— Lauren Appelson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Candidate in Chicago, ILOver 20 years of practice developing and implementing expressive arts therapy programs and activities with children, adolescents, and adults. Systems aware and trauma-informed care that is scientifically proven to relieve feelings.
— Mary Beth Rabon, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Charlotte, NCWhile I work remotely I do a great deal of art therapy with clients who are interested. I send materials to clients homes, as well as do art therapy with material individuals have at home.
— Rachael Rosenberg, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los altos, CAArt is a way to express your inner self without the limitations of words. Colors, sounds, flavors, and all other sensory experiences are information that can be communicated through various mediums of art. Art leads to connection where there may be isolation. In all shapes and forms, connection and communication is the purpose of art, and connection and communication are the foundations of healing. No level of artistic ability required
— Sidrah Khan, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TXAs an artist myself combined with my undergraduate concentration in the psychology of art and artists, I recognize art as being a powerful tool for positive mental health changes. I enjoy the process of exploring and discovering artistic voices and how to tell your story through expression.
— Michael Nolan, Therapist in New York, NYAs a creative person, I enjoy incorporating expressive arts into my practice with interested clients; including drawing, doodling, collage, journaling, or writing exercises. As an eco-therapist, I encourage clients to observe and integrate natural materials and objects into their lives and use them in creative ways. As a trained MSBR provider, I may include mindfulness and visualization into creative sessions.
— Shelley Samuels, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Oakland, CAThink of me as your personal guide in finding your inner creative muse. We use the process of art makings and markings to explore and provide outlets for what gets trapped inside, smothered and stepped on. I want to help you tap into flexing, stretching, and growing these expressive muscles. You need no special skills to engage in this process, you have them already.
— Andrea Picard, Counselor in Chicago, ILExpressive Art Therapy is a multi-modal approach to heal; it is an adjunct I use to more traditional methods. It may include music, writing, dance, art and more.
— Michelle North, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Encinitas, CACertified in Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing: A Sensorimotor Art Therapy Approach to Bilateral Body Mapping by Dr. Cornelia Elbrecht’s Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy (2019) Certified in Level 1 & 2 Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi’s Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (2018-19)
— Aly Dearborn, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CAIn expressive art therapy, I encourage clients to explore their emotions through creative outlets like drawing, painting, or writing. This non-verbal approach can help access deep feelings that are hard to express with words. It’s especially useful for those processing trauma or emotional blocks. My goal is to provide a safe space where clients can explore their inner world, express themselves freely, and find healing through creative expression.
— Lindsay Pruitt, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Castle Rock, COI like incorporating art, music, and writing into therapy in the ways that my clients enjoy.
— Lyndsey Upton, Associate Professional Counselor