Art Therapy

Art therapy group might look very much like any other art class to a casual observer. There are differences, however. In art therapy, the creative process is more important than the works of art produced.

The goal of art therapy is not to produce beautiful art, nor is it to instruct talented, well-taught artists. The goal of art therapy is to help people feel good about themselves, help them communicate with others, and help them take charge of their lives responsibly.

Art therapy makes use of the fact that creativity can in itself be rewarding. In doing creative work, we externalize our thoughts and emotions, making them more clear to ourselves and others. More importantly, creativity produces feelings of accomplishment; this enhances self-esteem and independence. Art therapy services coordinated by The Arc will be inclusive in nature and include people with disabilities and non-disabled people alike.

An important goal of art therapy is to change perceptions of power, control, and identity. Art therapy helps people experience themselves as powerful when they give color to blank paper or form to a lump of clay. Making decisions independently about what colors to use or what subjects to model makes people feel effective and competent. As such positive experiences are repeated, locus of control becomes increasingly internal.

The goals of art therapy differ according to the person’s needs. Listed below are different goal areas addressed by way of art therapy:

Art therapists establish an atmosphere in which participants know their work will not be rejected. Therapists let people know that there is not a "right way" or a "wrong way" to do art, and that experimenting is good. They encourage independence by noting and reinforcing choices made by group members.

Art therapy can be done on a one to one basis, but is most often done in groups. Whether art therapy groups are structured or unstructured depends on the needs of participants. Some groups are unstructured, leaving participants free to choose which materials to use and what subject matter to focus on. Other groups use pre-planned individual or group projects.

Gains from art therapy sometimes include the elimination of self-abusive and other aberrant behavior. The inevitable socializing which occurs during sessions decreases isolation and improves communication skills. Art therapy fosters the ability to act independently. Art therapy builds self-esteem and a sense of identity. It improves the quality of life for many of its participants as they tap their creative potential and experience themselves in new and meaningful ways.

Art therapy sessions will be facilitated by featured community artists, people with disabilities, and Arc program staff.