Art Therapy
Natural Solutions in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch



Learn about the natural health benefits of Art Therapy & find an Art Therapy practitioner/clinic in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to assist you further within New Zealand.

ART THERAPY FACTFILE

Fact:  Form of expressive therapy
Founded:
  Late 19th century by Sigmund Freud
Therapy Type: Mind-Body


WHAT EXACTLY IS ART THERAPY?

Art Therapy | The Wellness DirectoryArt therapy involves the creative process of art making to improve and enhance physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.  Treatment is a form of psychotherapy which allows individuals to express themselves through the creation of visual arts, music, poetry and drama.  Moreover, therapy involves a client using art as a way to express their subconscious thoughts and emotions.  The art may take the form of sculpture, drawing or painting and utilises a variety of artistic material. 

By analysing an image along with the process of its creation, repressed feelings and conflicts can be revealed which, in turn, provide a talking point between the client and therapist.  Discussing this process can help an individual to understand the root of a problem and make changes to their behaviour or way of thinking.

One theory behind Art Therapy is that our creativity and ability to heal ourselves originate from the same place.  During treatment, these two processes are triggered and provide a communication medium which can help with beating emotional conflict or stress.  Therapy may also provide a solution to coping with stress, managing behaviour or improving personal relationships.  Many people also use Art Therapy as a stepping stone to increasing self-esteem and increasing their quality of life.  As a psychotherapy method, it primarily benefits those who find it difficult to express themselves verbally.

Art therapy is often practised in hospitals, prisons, education centres and mental health clinics and is suitable for people of all ages.



IS ART THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?

Art therapy may benefit the following physical and mental conditions:

  • Abandonment                      
  • Abuse                      
  • Addictions                      
  • Alcoholism                   
  • Amnesia             
  • Anger Management                     
  • Anxiety/Panic Attacks        
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder                     
  • Bipolar Disorder     
  • Childhood/Adolescent Problems                 
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome          
  • Chronic Pain                  
  • Depression                     
  • Eating Disorders                  
  • Grief/Loss                      
  • Habitual Behaviour                     
  • Headaches             
  • Hyperhidrosis/Excessive Sweating                     
                 
  • Insomnia 
  • Low Self Esteem
  • Mood Swings
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Personal Growth/Development
  • Personality Disorders
  • Phobias
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Rejection
  • Relationship Problems
  • Schizophrenia
  • Self-Harm/Injury
  • Separation
  • Sexual Addiction
  • Smoking Addiction
  • Social Phobias
  • Stress – Emotional/Physical
  • Suicidal Thoughts/Attempts
  • Weight Issues/Management
  • Withdrawal Symptoms


WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ART THERAPY SESSIONS

Individual sessions from 45-60 minutes. Art Therapy group sessions usually last for one hour. Before your first appointment, write down what your problems are and what you hope to achieve with Art Therapy.  Therapy can take place in a group or on an individual basis. Your Art therapist will have discussed the best environment for you beforehand.

During your session you will use various artistic materials (e.g. paint, clay, chalk) to create paintings, drawings, sculptures or collages. The materials will be provided for you. In some cases the client will choose from a variety of art mediums, in others the therapist will choose depending on what is trying to be accomplished and the clients comfort level. It is important that the environment be one that encourages a high level of comfort and that a sense of trust exists between the client and the therapist.

You will usually leave all your artwork with the therapist at the end of the session and it will be kept confidential. Your Art therapist may give you work to do at home to bring with you for the next session.  Sessions take place on a weekly basis and many Art therapists recommend a course of 12-15 sessions to fully explore your issues.

Art therapists often work as part of a team in conjunction with physicians, psychologist, psychiatrists, social workers, rehabilitation therapists and teachers.


FINDING A QUALIFIED ART THERAPIST/TEACHER

Art therapy is suitable for people of all ages and children’s art, in particular, often expresses concepts they aren’t able to articulate.  The treatment helps with a variety of issues and disorders within the mental health field. It is wise to carry out some research and select a therapist who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as the Australian and New Zealand Art Therapists Association (ANZATA).  Art therapists are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment.  These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling. 

The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified teachers within your region.  We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.


© The Wellness Directory Ltd