Art therapy at the virtual clinic

Engaging in therapy is generally very beneficial. For example, having someone to confide in without feeling judged is an excellent tool for taking care of one’s mental health. Consulting an art therapist brings these benefits and more. Here are two of the most common benefits: exploration and expression.

Exploration
Many of us have experienced a sense of being more in control after identifying the source of a problem. Sometimes, we discover the source of a troubling issue through conversations with friends, loved ones, or therapists using only verbal exchange. However, it often happens that we cannot pinpoint the source of a problem. Issues can originate from various places, and sometimes accessing them can be challenging. By its nature, art therapy facilitates a mindset of openness that would be difficult, if not impossible, to achieve otherwise. With a more open mind, we can more easily uncover the true underlying causes of a problem, allowing for the beginning of transformative work.

Expression
Not having the right words or not having them at all to express a feeling is another significant challenge that many people face. Language is a phenomenal tool, but sometimes it seems impossible to connect an emotion to the right words. Art can become the bridge between the emotional world and the world of language. We’re not talking about communicating to an art gallery filled with experts, but rather to oneself. With the help of an art therapist, a client can interact with their artwork to aid in expressing complex and/or profound emotions.

Examples of problems that art therapy can help improve quality of life:

• Abuse
• Anxiety
• Bullying
• Addictions
• Depression
• Grief, divorce
• Emotional and/or relational difficulties
• Chronic pain
• Professional exhaustion, burnout
• Self-esteem
• Identity, roles, gender, sexuality
• Body image
• Isolation
• Fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, family
• Patterns
• Fear
• Physical suffering, cancer, fibromyalgia…
• Trauma
• Transitions
• Stress
• Post-traumatic stress
• Economic violence, physical violence, psychological violence, sexual violence, verbal violence
• And more.

• Emotional expression and release
• Stress reduction and relaxation
• Increased self-awareness and self-discovery
• Improved communication and interpersonal skills
• Enhanced problem-solving and coping abilities
• Boosted self-esteem and self-confidence
• Empowerment and personal growth
• Emotional healing and trauma processing
• Increased resilience and emotional well-being
• Improved cognitive and sensory processing
• Enhanced creativity and self-expression
• Greater emotional regulation and self-control
• Enhanced social connection and support
• Improved quality of life and overall well-being