I found I could say things with colour and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.
Georgia O’Keefe

In the early 1940s, the British artist Adrian Hill developed the term “art therapy” to describe the therapeutic application of creating art.

Did you know ?

Hill discovered the therapeutic benefits of image making during his recovery from tuberculosis as he started drawing and painting.

Around the same time in the United States, Margaret Naumburg, a psychologist, introduced art therapy as symbolic speech between patient and therapist.

Therapeutical art has roots in the early 20th century and emerged as a formalized therapeutic approach in the mid-20th century.

The development of this approach is attributed to several key figures and influences such as Margaret Naumburg, Edith Kramer, Adrian Hill, The Modern Art and Mental Disturbance Movement and Post-World War II Developments.

5 WH

WHY to choose it ?

Often, words feel inadequate to capture our deepest thoughts and feelings fully. The creative process becomes a medium through which individuals can communicate their inner states profoundly for a deeper understanding.

Also creating art can serve as a cathartic release, providing a tangible outlet for stress, anxiety, and pent-up emotions.

WHO is it aimed for ?

It is a versatile approach with wide-ranging applications, makes it suitable for various conditions, for various individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

WHERE should be processed an Art Therapy session ?

The sessions can take place in various settings, depending on the specific needs and preferences of the participants. The setting is paramount, providing a safe and confidential space where individuals can freely express themselves without fear of judgment. Establishing a conducive environment promotes trust, openness, and the uninhibited exploration of emotions through art.

Common locations include:

Private Practice Offices, Community Centers, Hospitals and Clinics, Schools and Educational Institutions, Rehabilitation Centers, Online Platforms, Correctional Facilities

Ultimately, the choice of location depends on the goals of the therapy, the population being served, and the resources available.

WHICH conditions commonly treated ?

Art therapy, creative mediation for social support, and therapeutic art for well-being sessions provide a beacon of hope for individuals facing a wide range of challenges. These include emotional difficulties, relationship issues, bereavement, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders (including phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder), developmental disorders such as autism, addictions, learning disabilities, physical illnesses, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, eating disorders, self-esteem concerns, feelings of being stuck, health challenges, and general life struggles.

At the heart of our approach is a focus on the well-being aspects of art, explored through various concepts to promote emotional balance, self-expression, and personal growth.

! It is also important to note that outcomes and expectations may vary depending on whether you participate in an art therapy session, a creative mediation session for social support, or a therapeutic art session for well-being. At 8/25, we collaborate with a diverse group of facilitators, clearly indicating their backgrounds and the level of each session to ensure an informed and tailored experience.

WHAT do different materials facilitate in the process ?

The choice of materials in art therapy is intentional, as each medium ewokes unique emotions and responses.

From the soothing nature of pastels to the tactile experience of clay, diverse materials facilitate various aspects of expression, allowing individuals to connect with their inner selves in different ways.

Here's a breakdown of how different materials facilitate specific aspects of the art therapy process:

Natural Materials |Leaves, Stones, Wood

Using natural materials can foster a connection to nature and the environment.
Natural elements often carry symbolic significance, allowing for metaphorical expression.
These materials could also provide a sensory experience, connect individuals to their surroundings.
Textiles and Fabric

Textiles offer a comforting and familiar medium, evoking a sense of warmth.
Different textures can symbolize emotional experiences or serve as a means of expressing tactile sensations. Fabric could provide a tactile experience that can be soothing and grounding.
Found Objects and Mixed Media

Combining various materials encourages the integration of diverse elements into the artwork. It might provide opportunities for unconventional and innovative artistic expressions.
It allows individuals to incorporate meaningful objects into their art, and personalizes the therapeutic experience.
Collage Materials |Magazines, Paper, Fabric

Collages enable the creation of symbolic representations of experiences and aspirations.
It might allow for the construction of personal narratives through visual storytelling.
Individuals can repurpose existing images to create new meanings, fostering adaptability.
Digital Media

Digital tools allow for a wide range of artistic techniques and styles.
Especially useful for individuals comfortable with or preferring digital expression.
“Interactive” digital art can engage participants in dynamic and responsive creative processes.
Paint |Watercolors, Acrylics, Tempera

Painting can be a cathartic release, allowing individuals to express emotions with fluidity.
Colors and brushstrokes can symbolize and communicate complex feelings.
Offers a broad range of techniques, from washes to impasto, allowing for diverse exploration.
Clay and Sculpting Materials

Clay provides a tactile experience, promoting sensory exploration and grounding.
Sculpting allows for three-dimensional expression and the release of physical energy.
The malleability of clay can be metaphorically linked to personal growth and transformation.
Drawing Materials |Pencils, Pens, Markers

Drawing materials facilitate fine motor control and precision.
It allows for detailed and controlled expression of thoughts and emotions.
Suitable for both intricate detailing and free-form doodling.