ART Therapy in St Louis
Are you looking for an ART therapist near St. Louis? Greenway Therapy has certified ART therapist with locations in Clayton and Chesterfield, MO.
What is Art Therapy?
“Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services 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.
Art Therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.” – American Art Therapy Association
What is an Art Therapist?
Art therapists are trained in both art therapy and traditional counseling techniques and interventions. Art therapists often integrate care with other therapeutic models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (ITP), and others to best meet the needs of each individual client.
“Art therapists are master-level clinicians who work with people of all ages across a broad spectrum of practice. Guided by ethical standards and scope of practice, their education and supervised training prepares them for culturally proficient work with diverse populations in a variety of settings. Honoring individuals’ values and beliefs, art therapists work with people who are challenged with medical and mental health problems, as well as individuals seeking emotional, creative, and spiritual growth.” – American Art Therapy Association
But I’m not an artist…
Art therapy does NOT require artistic skill or knowledge! Art therapy is centered more around the process of creation and meaning making, rather than artistic outcomes. Art therapy is not the same as Art class. Your creations are never judged or critiqued. Art making and exploration is backed by a therapeutic relationship, creating a safe space to address underlying emotional issues. Artwork is used in addition to conversation for communication, and is seen as a reflection or extension of its maker. The goal is authenticity, not a masterpiece!
Is it just for children?
Art therapy benefits people of ALL ages and cultural backgrounds. Art therapy can be beneficial for children because it provides an opportunity to safely express feelings when they may not have the developmental skills or reasoning to do so verbally.
Even for adults though, trauma and negative feelings are hard to talk about. Sometimes it feels impossible to find the words to express our internal state. Art therapy can be used to gently help an individual process their experiences and advance in their healing journey.
“Art can permeate the very deepest part of us, where no words exist.” – Eileen Miller
What are other advantages of Art Therapy?
Art therapy can help individuals reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, increase self-esteem, regulate effects of trauma in the body, promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, resolve conflict, manage behavior, develop interpersonal skills, and achieve insight.
During Art therapy, clients are encouraged to…
- Express emotions that are difficult to articulate
- Develop healthy coping skills and self-regulation
- Improve self-esteem, confidence, and focus
- Identify personal issues, concerns, and needs
- Explore creativity and imagination
- Increase effective communication and non-violent conflict resolution
- Improve motor skills and physical coordination
- Identify blocks to emotional expression and personal growth
Neurobiological Benefits
Art therapy has positive effects on the brain! During the artistic process, the brain is very active and engaged, leading to several possible benefits including:
- Enhanced brain function by impacting brain wave patterns, emotions, and the nervous system
- Elevated serotonin levels and increased blood flow to the brain
- Lower cortisol levels (stress)
- Increased neural connectivity in the area of the brain that deals with memory, self-monitoring, and introspection
- Promotes psychological resilience
- Engages the brain’s neuroplasticity, helping individuals make positive changes in their lives, and can even help in recovery from injuries and illness.
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