Definition of Art Therapy

ART THERAPY: DEFINITION ART THERAPY IS A Human Services Profession that utilizes art media, images, the creative art process, and patient/client responses to the created products as reflections of an individual’s abilities, development, personality, interests, concerns and conflicts.  Art Therapy practice is based on knowledge of human developmental and psychological theories, which are implemented in the full spectrum of models of assessment and treatment.  This includes educational, psychodynamic, cognitive, transpersonal, and other therapeutic means of achieving the following: reconciling emotional conflicts, fostering self-awareness, developing social skills, managing behavior, solving problems, reducing anxiety, aiding reality orientation, and increasing self-esteem. Art Therapy is an effective treatment for the developmentally, medically, educationally, socially, or psychologically impaired.  It is practiced in a wide variety of settings, including mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational and forensic institutions. Populations of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds are served by Art Therapists, in individual, couples, family and group therapy formats. 

Art Therapy at Hope Resource Center Napa

I facilitated Art Therapy Services once a month at Hope Resource Center, the day facility on Second Street in Napa. This was in 2014-15. Nancy Chesley was the coordinator of this program; she called me up one day, out of the blue, and asked for my assistance in bringing what she considered a viable form of intervention-art as therapy-to the population that used the facility. She had experienced firsthand the power of art as therapy, to heal the soul and promote self-integration. Over a period of a year and a half I held ten groups with the migrant population that streamed through; it included a mixed cultural and age population. Participants gave me written permission to use and share their art, with promise of keeping their identities confidential. The participants were, for the most part, receptive to creating visuals and symbols to relate their personal experiences, and share the art and words with each other in temporary community, a huge step for this population. I was grateful for the opportunity to get to know them, their stories, and understand their dilemma.  This experience gave them a face and a solid identity. Too long the homeless have been invisible.