What is clinical art therapy?

     Clinical art therapy is founded in clinical mental health research and formed from a neuroscience perspective.  It is not the typical art class.  Clinical art therapy is designed to help a person process thoughts and emotions in an artistic manner. Clinical art therapy has been found to decrease stress, decrease anxiety and depression, and increase life satisfaction for a higher quality of life. Clinical art therapy is supervised by a trained professional. 

 

I worry others will judge me.

     Groups are confidential and participants agree to respect the privacy of others.  Groups are a judge-free zone, where no one is critiquing the artwork or conversations. 

 

What if the activity provokes uncomfortable or unwanted thoughts and/or emotions?

     When this happens, your mind's natural healing instincts are telling you that you need to work through something.  Though this could occur; activities are designed to help a participant move past the uncomfortable thoughts and/or emotions.  If needed, a participant can request a single session to meet with Dr Shannon or someone on her clinical team individually to address these thoughts and emotions. 

 

What type of art activities are included?  Do I need to bring materials?

     Art activities include:  painting,  clay works,  working with wood,  and a variety of crafts.  All materials and art supplies are provided by The BraveArt Initiative. 

 

What if I can’t draw?

     You do not need to know how to draw or perform any artistic skill.  Art therapy activities are designed to help you move past this worry and to participate in the activity with step by step instructions for processing thoughts and emotions.  Art therapy does not focus on the aesthetics of the artwork.  In many cases, the art may not be finished in one session, but the emotional well-being goals will be accomplished. 

 

I have no creativity in me, how can this help me?

     Everyone has creativity.  Creativity is a part of daily functioning.  Art therapy stimulates creative thinking and provides an alternative to traditional talk therapy.  When creativity is stimulated,  the body's naturally lowers cortisol and increases dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins.  Creative thinking also stimulates laughter which has been shown to decrease mental healthy symptoms.

How much does this cost?

     Groups are free.  Groups are supported by the BraveArt Initiative Non Profit.  A variety of fund raising events are held to raise money so these services can be provided for free to the community.    Sponsors and Donations are needed. 

 

Can I schedule an individual art therapy session?

    Yes, individual sessions are scheduled with Tranquility Counseling Services LLC. Individual sessions are not free and session fees will apply.  In many cases, insurance can be utilized for individual sessions.

 

Can I come just to see what it is all about?

     Yes,  you can join us and observed.  You do not have to participate in the art activity if you are not comfortable doing so.

Do I have to do any talking?

     Talking is optional.  The facilitator will encourage those in the group to share if they are comfortable sharing.  However, a participant may choose to participate without sharing with the group.