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Blooming Rose Holistic
Art Therapy at
Blooming Rose Holistic
"But wait! I'm not an artist!"
We get this all the time. Art making is possible for everyone! Art therapists are trained professionals to facilitate art making for your specific goals and needs. You will have the creative freedom to explore your emotions in a safe and non-judgmental space, with no set expectations.
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"A common misconception about art therapy is that you need to have artistic talent to benefit from it. Some people worry that if they do not make 'technically correct art', art therapy will not be successful, or they somehow failed. On the contrary, making art in art therapy does not require that you have artistic training. Drawing, painting, and a variety of other art forms are simple methods of expression easily available to almost everyone, regardless of age or abilities. Art making is also a normalizing experience; that is, everyone has the ability to be creative through art."
-Malchiodi, C. The Art Therapy Sourcebook. McGraw-Hill, 2007.
What is the purpose and is it effective?
Art therapy is a powerful approach to self-growth through helping individuals gain self-insight, form healthy growth habits and mindsets, and heal from symptoms and/or trauma.
"Art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.​ Especially when people are struggling, facing a challenge, or even a health crisis —their own words or language fails them. During these times, an art therapist can help clients express themselves in ways beyond words or language. Art therapists are trained in art and psychological theory and can help clients integrate nonverbal cues and metaphors that are often expressed through the creative process."​
-AATA, 2022​
“Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.
Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy. They are knowledgable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art. They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals. Art therapists work with people of all ages: individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. They provide services, individually and as a part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; open studios and independent practice.”
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(AATA, 2004 Membership Directory, p. iv.)
Ethical Issues in Art Therapy, Bruce Moon, p. 172
Moon, B. L. (2006). Ethical Issues in Art Therapy. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.
Benefits of Art Therapy
Self-expression
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression to help individuals deal with emotional and psychological challenges. Through art, clients can express themselves in a non-verbal way and explore their inner selves.
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Non-verbal Communication
Certain life experiences can make it difficult to verbally express into words. Art therapy provides an outlet for non-verbal communication through painting, drawing, collage, or other art forms.
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Self-Esteem Building
Art therapy provides a safe space to express emotions. Reflecting on the art making process can help individuals gain insight into their emotions and thought patterns. There are encouraged opportunities for self-growth through creating art which often leads to a sense of pride and accomplishment.
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Sensory Experience
Art making is a very hands-on activity. It involves mixing, painting, drawing, molding, sculpting, touching, gluing, arranging, forming, and other tangible experiences. The sensory qualities of art making often allow us to tap into our emotions and perceptions more easily than we would with words alone.
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​​Stress Management and Symptom Relief
Art therapy is an effective tool for managing stress and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Creating art can be a form of meditation, finding inner peace and calm through self-expression.
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Trauma Healing
Art therapy can help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. The creative process can help individuals express and work through difficult emotions in a safe and non-threatening way.​​
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