Greetings, everyone! I'm delighted to have you here as I delve into the profound impact of art therapy on my perspective. If you tuned in to my Instagram livestream last Friday, this post will expand on the insights I shared during that session, focusing on the enlightening information session I recently attended at the university where I'm set to begin my certification journey in Fall 2020.
Defining Art Therapy:
So, what exactly is art therapy? It's a form of psychotherapy that employs painting, drawing, or modelling to promote self-expression, therapeutic healing, and even diagnostic insights. This is the path I've chosen, and for those of you who might not know, it's deeply personal to me. Art has served as my therapeutic outlet for many years, and I'm passionate about becoming an art therapist to extend that healing to those grappling with mental suffering.
The Information Session:
I had the privilege of attending an informational session at the university where I'll be commencing my certification program. During this session, a video presentation shed light on art therapy, its diverse forms, influential figures, and other critical facets.
"Art Therapy Has Many Faces" was the first video screened during this enlightening session. It provided an insightful overview of the history of art therapy, its trailblazers, the various subtypes within the field, and the responsibilities associated with the profession. Although I couldn't locate the complete video, I'm sharing a link to a segment that captures the essence of it. Thank you for joining me on this journey of discovery and transformation. I'm eager to share more as I embark on this exciting path in the world of art therapy.
My Reflections on Art Therapy:
The entire video had a profound impact on me, stirring a deep sense of purpose. It reaffirmed that the path I've chosen aligns perfectly with my calling. Art has a unique ability to convey emotions and experiences that words often fall short of expressing, such as pain, abuse, and trauma. This realization struck a chord with me, and after the livestream of the information session, I shared my thoughts on Instagram. However, I wanted to share them with all of you as well, as I continue to process these powerful insights.
The notion that art doesn't need to be conventionally "beautiful" opened my eyes to the fact that my work doesn't need to conform to traditional standards, especially when tackling profound and often distressing subjects, such as mental health. What truly matters in the creative process is its role in promoting learning, emotional exploration, healing, and self-expression.
My Journey Before Discovering Art Therapy:
At my previous university, no matter how hard I tried or how diligently I followed instructions to please my professors, I was constantly bombarded with the notion that my work was never "good enough." This relentless critique took a severe toll on my mental health, and I grew to despise everything I created because I believed it was subpar.
In retrospect, I've come to realize that my work wasn't subpar; it was a genuine reflection of the emotional and mental turbulence I endured during those years. I persevered at that institution for 2.5 years before acknowledging the need for a change. The depth of my despair and the proximity to self-harm during my time there prompted me to take a different path.
As I move forward, my work continues to evolve and align with my artistic vision. Yet, since watching that eye-opening video and participating in the session, my perspective on art has undergone a profound transformation.
Here are a few examples of the works I've created as part of my art therapy journey, both in a therapeutic setting and in my personal creative space at home.
Your time and attention are truly valued, and I'm grateful that you've joined me on this journey. For the latest updates on my endeavours, be sure to follow me on Instagram. If you have any questions or thoughts about this blog post, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can send me a direct message on Instagram or shoot me an email, and I'll make it a priority to get back to you promptly. Thank you for your support and engagement!
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