What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy involves the use of different art materials through which a client can express and explore thoughts and feelings in the presence of a qualified Art Therapist. The Art Therapist provides a safe, contained and supportive space with different art materials (such as paint, clay, chalk, charcoal, crayons, marker’s, objects to cut and paste etc). For many clients, it is easier to relate to the therapist through the art object, which provides a focus for discussion, exploration and reflection. The therapist and client then work together in trying to understand the client's personal process and creative expression in the session. Art Therapy can be a very powerful process, which may enable long buried feelings to come to the surface and be acknowledged.
"It is the capacity of art to be a bridge between the inner world and outer reality which gives the image the role as mediator." – The Handbook of Art Therapy by Caroline Case and Tessa Dalley
Why art?
It is often difficult to express oneself solely through the use of words. The art object offers an alternate medium to express, explore and work through thoughts, feelings and concerns.
How?
Clients may use the art materials in any way they wish provided it is safe for the client, the studio and the therapist. The emphasis is on the process of making art rather than only the aesthetic product.
Who?
Everyone can make art! Knowledge of art is NOT a prerequisite for attending Art Therapy, and no judgments are made on the quality of the work produced. Art Therapy has proved to be helpful for adults, teenagers and children of all ages. Both individual and group settings are available.
Weekly sessions:
It is advisable to attend individual Art Therapy sessions once a week at the same time each week so that the space becomes a reliable, consistent safe space for the client’s growth.
Duration of individual sessions:
Adults: 1 hour
Children: 45 mins
Venue:
Sea Point (Cape Town) or Online via Zoom (If not in travelling distance)
Medical Aid:
Fees can be claimed back from medical aids after attendance of session(s).
“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.”
