Art Therapy?

-Asphyxia- · 13-09-2008, 04:06 PM

Are there any Art Therapists on RYL?

I've considered going back to school for it...I'm currently getting my BFA, and I have a huge interest in psychology...I'm worried that it's too "new-agey," for lack of a better phrase, and I've heard that it's more well received in Europe as opposed to the US (where I am).

I'm curious as to what types of things you actually do in your practice, are you still able to make your *own* art, do you find it fullfilling, what types of people do you work with, etc.

Any input or advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

88shelz · 13-09-2008, 04:14 PM

i love art therapy.
i have done in in OT when i was inpatient and i thoroughly enjoyed it and that is comming from me who doesnt have an artistic bone in her body haha.

Stellata · 13-09-2008, 04:33 PM

There's no actual art therapists here. But there are people who're in or who have been in art therapy. Or have used art as part of their therapy - as I do. If you look at some of the August entries in my Blog, you'll see some of the kind of work I do. I tend to draw/paint at home, and work with what I've created during my therapy sessions, which aren't art therapy, but my therapist is very open to it.

13-09-2008, 04:34 PM

what IS art therapy?

Stellata · 13-09-2008, 04:38 PM

Using drawing, painting or such to express and explore your feelings, past, subconscious... it's a vehicle, a bridge of communication between yourself and your therapist, and yourself and yourself.

Popple · 13-09-2008, 05:30 PM

I know there are a couple of members on here at least who are training to be art therapists but for the life of me I can't remember their usernames but I know one of them posted about it in creative corner a few months ago so yeah not much use really.
I want to train as an art therapist but it means moving away from home so I am going to train as an art teacher instead >.<

whirlpools · 13-09-2008, 07:43 PM

I'm not an art therapist but am very interested in becoming an art therapist later in life. I think in England you can either do your degree in Art Psychotherapy or do a degree in Art & Design and then a PostGrad in Art Psychotherapy. When I had art therapy as a patient, it was in group-work, and there were two-three therapists/art therapy students who did their own work along with the rest of the group, but the main art therapist sort of observed the whole process.

sherlock holmes · 13-09-2008, 07:55 PM

I've done a lot of art therapy in different hospitals I was in. It really helped me to articulate my feelings in a different, but very visual way.