Art Therapy in Groups
Art Therapy in groups is a highly effective, powerful and dynamic process. Groups offer an interaction with other members of the group, sharing similarities and differences, offering feedback and insights around the image-making process and, of course, networking.
The difference between a verbal group and an art therapy group is that at some point the individuals in the group will make art. This brings in a new form of communication and exploration into the group dynamic, in that each person has a voice through the creative expression. There are no judgments on the art-making process and the group has the opportunity to witness one another’s process, feel inspired by other’s use of the art media, share ideas, insights and experiences within the group process voluntarily.
We are born essentially as social beings, in that as humans we need a caregiver and a support in order to mature. We also pass through a series of group experiences throughout life from family to school through to adulthood. Being in a group process has the powerful effect of providing a symbolic group for the context of one’s journey or path in life. A group can illuminate things or bring things to a head, and can also dilute one’s intensity of difficult feelings when shared and put in context by members of the group. Roles, archetypes and a sense of being can be explored within the group process. There is a life-span of a group just as there is a life span in relationships. This all gets explored and understood in the group Art Therapy process in order to understand more about oneself and promote growth and well-being.
Our courses and workshops are suited to all adults, including professionals, psychologists, therapists, executive housewives, educators, artists, mental health practitioners, social workers, occupational therapists, parents and students. No art talent is required in order to benefit. The skills, tools and experiences gained by participants can be adapted to and incorporated in work spheres such as art teaching, education, running art groups, a therapeutic practice etc. The course simultaneously serves as a journey for self-growth, insight and personal development.
Various short Seminars and workshops are available as introductions to Art Therapy. The "Intro to Art Therapy 3-Day Seminar" is an introduction to the internationally accepted Art Therapy practice available in person in Cape town and JHB as well as Online via Zoom. It is the only Seminar in South Africa that includes theory and experiential art making in the presence of an (internationally) accredited and registered Art Psychotherapist. The 3-Day Art Therapy Seminar also has a follow up called Part 2 for further learning and exploration. If you have an existing group of people who are interested in a course/workshop please contact me individually.
Note: Art Therapy is a Masters qualification, which is either attended over 2 years full time or 3 years part time. Art Therapy is a registered profession within South Africa. In order to practice anywhere in South Africa as an Art Therapist or Art Psychotherapist, it is a legal requirement to be registered with the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of SA). Hence, a short course is insufficient to enable you to practice or register as an Art Therapist.
If you still have unanswered questions or wish to read more please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
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“I grew more than I thought possible.”
“For the first time in my life I have discovered my true identity and can now answer the fundamental question of who I am!”
“The magic that Sam unleashes through her knowledge is beautiful.”
“An inspirational, wonderful, creative self-exploratory journey, Thank you!”
“Thank you for a thought-provoking and inspiring class! You are a fantastic therapist with a very caring and compassionate approach to listening! You made each and every person feel important by allowing each one the opportunity to feel safe enough to open up! Thank you for that.”
“Sam, you are so experienced and it is evident in your facilitation. You are really good at your job and do it with such professionalism.”
“The course went beyond my personal expectations. I came thinking that we would mainly be learning about Art Therapy, which we did, but it was a big transformational experience for me which I was not expecting.”
“The Art Therapy was a gentle, creative and fun way to build trust and deliver outcomes. It was enjoyable and an extremely valuable experience in our Strategy workshop.”
“I didn’t realize how much I NEEDED Art Therapy. It was like rain falling on desert soil. And I have grown so much. My heart feels alive again. I will be back!”
“It was a time to forget about the problems and the world around me. Sam is a brilliant facilitator. Even though I was nervous, it was a time for me to reflect and to enjoy how therapeutic art can be. It calmed the storm that reigned inside of me. The Mandala Art Therapy workshop is like having a picnic next to a quiet river. You granted time to reach that point where you can become quiet and can experience the Universe.”
“A very comprehensive and thorough intro into Art Therapy. Covered a lot of ground in 5 days and left with a priceless manual and a warm glow.”
“It was the best week of my life, I learnt that I could always be happy as long as I was in a happy and comfortable space, and if I wasn’t I needed to create that space. I learnt that I was in control and all I had to do was to take charge and have fun and paint on a bigger board i.e. see the bigger picture. I am so grateful for the opportunity that came my way and that I was able to embrace and savor it.”
