FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Expressive Arts Therapy?
"Expressive arts therapy (EXA) is a way of using the arts to help people with a variety of challenges; whether they be psychological,
It is an intermodal arts-based approach to therapy that engages and supports participants through a process of creative expression to help reconnect with their inner resources." -Ontario Expressive Therapy Association (OEATA)
Do I have to be an artist?
No. You don’t have to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. The activities are designed so that anyone can do them, regardless of their artistic abilities.
Keep in mind that "the goal (of Expressive Arts) is not to create a work of art, but to create art that works for us." Barbara Ganim, Director, The Institute for the Expressive Arts
What can I expect?
These are hands-on experiential sessions for both individuals and groups based on a psycho-educational model. You will be given an art directive to guide you, and learn a creative technique. Afterwards, we will have a discussion and an opportunity to share.
Who can benefit?
Anyone who needs emotional support. Art therapy is often used for those with chronic or life-limiting illnesses, or mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions, trauma and dementia. It has also been used for those with learning disabilities.
What are the benefits?
Art therapy activities are a great way to deepen your knowledge about yourself. Through fun activities you will discover what moves you, or keeps you stuck. The American Art Therapy Association has noted that art therapy can:
- Decrease anxiety, anger and depression
- Increase well being
- Enhance cognitive ability
- Foster greater-awareness and self-esteem
- Help regulate emotions
- Teach problem solving and decision making
- Build social connections
- Create opportunities for meaning making
What supplies do I need?
You will need some pencils, pens, felt-tip pens (magic markers), erasers, crayons, oil pastels, coloured pencils, watercolour pencils, watercolour or acrylic paint supplies, air-dry clay, magazines to cut out, glue, scissors and any other creative art materials that you have handy.
It is not necessary to have all these items, some are workshop specific and a list will be provided upon registration.
What is Narrative Therapy?
An approach to counseling and community work which centres people as the experts of their own lives. A narrative approach views problems as separate from people and assumes they have many skills, abilities, values, beliefs and competencies that will assist them to change their relationship with the problems influencing their lives.
What is Sand Tray?
Sand tray therapy is a creative counseling technique where a person expresses their understanding of themselves, their world, and aspects of their reality through figurines or miniatures. The scenes created in a sand tray reflect the person's past and present inner thoughts, feelings, and hardships.
What is Photovoice?
Photovoice uses photographs taken and selected by participants, and encourages them to reflect upon and explore the reasons, emotions and experiences that have guided their chosen images.
