What happens in an individual art therapy session?

In the mental space studios an hours art therapy session is roughly divided into three parts; first focusing on what’s on your mind, second art making and finally connecting to the art work. .

Focusing on what’s on your mind - At the start of the session we talk about any thoughts or specific issues, that have brought you to therapy that day. An essential part of art therapy is feeling comfortable enough to express your feelings, good, bad and everything in-between. In this part of the art therapy we seek to relieve the burden of trying to figure things out alone, and face whatever is going on together.

Art making - The art materials are laid out for you to choose. Together we look at the materials, what are you attracted to using? It is important to follow your feelings in regards to the art materials. Everyone has a unique relationship with different materials and this can change from session to session. For example, maybe you would like to use some clay to push out a little anger? Or acrylic paint to loosen a ruminating thought or just want to rip up a magazine and see what happens? The art materials help us get in touch with the sensory nature of your issue. At the art making table you create an artwork, and everything that happens at the art table holds information for you about your inner world. It is important to remember that we have no interest in your technical ability as an artist as we seek only to use the art process to connect with your emotions.

Connecting to the artwork - Together we sit down and look at your artwork. I bring the tissues and we explore the content of your art with curiosity and empathy. We use the artwork as a way to reflect on your experience and draw out the elements that hold meaning for you. The connection to your sensory experience during art making can help you make conscious links to previously non-verbal raw emotions. The artwork may stay in the studio as this can help contain feelings that you are not ready to integrate with your world outside of our safe therapeutic space.