ART THERAPY
Art therapy is the guided process of reflection that integrates psychotherapy and the creative guidance of expression through art making within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Art therapy dates back to the 1940's as a way for one to process their inner thoughts and emotions in an expressive way where verbal communication can be a barrier in states of trauma or a subconscious block. As traditional talk therapy requires the awareness of one's cognitive state through verbal communication, art therapy provides an indirect and nonthreatening way in uncovering the subconscious mind - allowing the invisible to become visible. Art therapy can aid one in increasing self-esteem, manifest self-awareness, manage behaviors and addictions, improve interpersonal skills, reduce anxiety and stress, explore different coping mechanisms, and reconcile emotional conflicts. It is a mental health profession in which helps treatment in trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, substance abuse, persons of autism, dementia and to those who are seeking personal growth.