Why use the Arts in Therapy ?
|
Spontaneous artistic expression enables one to express feelings beyond expectations.
Through gestures and expressive movements encouraged by most art media, a sense of natural flow can emerge and enrich the verbal and non-verbal exchanges between therapist and client. Art media and Sandplay are efficient tools in unlocking blocks, bringing vibrancy to lifeless situations, and melting inhibitions as a whole. In many situations this process can unlock unacknowledged desires and life energy. |
In order to encourage immediacy and clarity
|
It is often easier to express something we find intimidating or shameful through play and metaphor.
Picking toys and displaying them in a sandtray feels easy and somehow fun. Yet, this process can help tremendously to bring clarity and energy to the work. For instance :
|
In order to address the "unspeakable"
|
In order to assert and enhance positive aspects of one's life
Art media are efficient to :
|
In order to face painful situations more easily
In order to draw one's own conclusions
Work out one's own interpretations
Find one's own meaning
Working on oneself with art media and Sandplay helps work towards a more solid autonomy as long as the therapist is vigilant about not bringing his/her own interpretation to the client's work.
The Integrative humanistic approach focuses on facilitating the client's own conclusions, interpretations and meaning. |