Arts Therapy

Arts therapy is a form of psychotherapy which uses the creative process of making art, music or drama to improve a person's physical, mental and emotional well-being.

The hope is that by expressing one's self artistically people can resolve issues such as...

• addiction
• trauma
• grief/loss
• compulsive gambling
• depression
• panic
• anxiety
• stress

There may be emotional experiences that prompt feelings or memories that cannot be easily put into words. Arts therapists are trained to pick up on non-verbal signals that are often expressed through the creative process. There is no requirement to be talented in the arts to benefit from this type of treatment. Although it may seem different at first, the therapist should be able to ensure you soon feel comfortable with this form of expression.

An initial session will begin with a consultation, taking note of the client's physical condition, medical history and any related lifestyle factors. Using this information a programme of therapy would then be agreed. An initial session would also involve familiarising yourself with the materials and the session format. Future sessions would involve creative time and then a discussion on what has been produced, the experience of creating it and how the themes in the art relate to your life. An initial session is likely to be an hour long and further sessions 30 to 60 minutes long. The number of sessions required will very much depend on the nature of the condition. Arts therapy is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). All Arts therapists must complete an approved education and training programme before they can register. They must also hold a relevant insurance policy and adhere to the HCPC's Code of Ethics and Conduct. Arts Therapy professional associations include:

• British Association of Art Therapists
• British Association of Dramatherapists
• British Association for Music Therapy
• UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)