What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, build executive functioning skills and achieve insight.
What Does Art Therapy Look Like?
Art making is an umbrella term than can incorporate a variety of materials and processes including jewelry making, sewing, embroidery, collages, tie dye, room decorations, DIY projects and crafts, drawing, painting, poetry, journaling, and more! In addition to using the art process and the resulting artwork to explore and communicate emotions related anxiety and depression, art making is also a means to build executive functioning skills often associated with ADHD symptoms such as planning ahead, prioritizing and sequencing tasks, managing impulses, recognizing internal and external distractions, and maintaining focus. The focus of art therapy is on the process and not the final product, so developing meaning and connection is at the forefront rather than becoming a great artist. During this process of creating, clients embark on a journey of self-discovery that will help to eliminate emotional roadblocks and to improve communication with the self and others. While art is often incorporated in the therapeutic process, art making is NOT a requirement of art therapy sessions. Clients may choose to engage with art some sessions and not others.
Who Benefits from Art Therapy?
Anyone who feels overwhelmed or pressured by daily life and the surrounding world should try art therapy. Through creating art, you will have the opportunity to slow down and explore any obstacles you may be facing. Art therapy improves the mental health of individuals who are struggling with: anxiety, depression, attention/hyperactivity disorders, grief and loss, eating disorders, physical illness, PTSD, trauma, relationship issues, obsessive behaviors, and so much more.
What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Art Therapy?
Self-Discovery and Reflection: Creating art can help you acknowledge and recognize emotions that have been within your subconscious.
Self-Esteem: The process will give you a sense of accomplishment, which can be very valuable to increase confidence.
Emotional Release: The greatest benefit of art therapy is providing a healthy outlet for self-expression and letting go of many fears and emotions. Complex feelings such as sadness or anger often cannot be expressed with words. When you are unable to express yourself, but desire emotional release, making art has the ability to fulfill that need.
Stress Relief: Fighting anxiety, depression, or emotional trauma can be mentally and physically stressful. Creating art can be used to relieve stress and relax your mind and body.
Executive Functioning Support: Art therapy can bolster executive functioning skills often associated with ADHD symptoms such as planning ahead, prioritizing and sequencing tasks, managing impulses, recognizing internal and external distractions, and maintaining focus.
Email us or call 847.400.0078 for a complimentary phone consultation to determine whether or not art therapy is a good fit for you or your child.
Jackie Bernfeld, LCPC
Jackie is a clinically licensed counselor and art therapist with extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults. She received her Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling Psychology from Adler University and her Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art and Psychology from Middlebury College.
Prior to joining True Mind + Body, Jackie worked as an Art Therapist in school, hospital, and community agency settings, treating a diverse range of clients. She works with those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, grief and loss, life transitions, family structure, spectrum disorders, and interpersonal relationships.
Jackie is an integrative therapist and draws from traditional verbal therapy and art therapy, when appropriate, to align with individual needs and preferences. She strives to promote self-reflection and an increased awareness of psychological barriers through CBT and art therapy based interventions while helping clients manage and cope with inter- and intra-personal stressors.