By: Amy Maricle

Are you thinking about art therapy as an option for yourself or a loved one? It’s important to do some research both about the approach and the therapist you are considering. Getting the right “fit” can make the difference between meeting your goals or not. Here are 5 reasons you might want to put an art therapist on your list of people to interview when you are “therapist shopping.”
1. Change involves taking risks. Daring to draw, paint, sculpt, or otherwise creatively express your feelings in session is good practice for taking the risks necessary for change in your life. Practice makes perfect.

2. Sometimes there are no words that can adequately describe your experience. Really bad and really amazing experiences leave us speechless.

3.  Metaphor is a powerful tool. Our unconscious communicates to us nightly through metaphors. We use metaphor to communicate our values, and to explain complex concepts in business, teaching, science, the arts, and much more. Art therapists are specially trained to assist you in expressing yourself creatively and identifying what your images can teach you about your life. The metaphors in your art can help you to gain insight, perspective, and find unique solutions to your problems.
 4. You’ve been talking about your problems for years. Let’s DO something!
5. Engaging our creative sides inevitably also feels playful. There is a lot of smiling and laughter in my office. And isn’t that what you came for anyway? To feel better?

Comments! Have you had a positive experience with art therapy? Has art helped you to change, gain perspective, or find new solutions to problems? If you are an art therapist, how do you explain why art therapy works? Tell us about it in the comments section below!

DISCLAIMER: This information is not a substitute for professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content provided by Maricle Counseling and Amy Maricle, LMHC, ATR-BC is intended for general information purposes only. Never disregard professional medical or psychological advice or delay seeking treatment because of something you read here.