ART Therapy

ART Therapy

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication. The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) describes it this way: “(art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.”

Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy.
Although the sessions can be enjoyable, art therapy is much more than a recreational activity or an art lesson. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.
At the Cadenza Center, art therapy sessions use the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being. We believe that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight. More specifically, client benefits include:

  • Improved emotional regulation: by providing a safe and non-threatening environment for children and teens to express their emotions and work through difficult experiences. This can help them develop better coping mechanisms and improve their overall emotional regulation.
  • Increased self-awareness: through the creative process, children and teens can gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, leading to increased self-awareness and understanding of their unique needs and challenges.
  • Enhanced social skills: by providing opportunities to interact with others and develop social skills, such as communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution. This can be especially helpful for those with behavioral and emotional difficulties who may struggle in social settings.