Expressive Arts

WHAT ARE THE EXPRESSIVE ARTS?
First, you don’t need to be an artist of any kind to benefit from expressive arts sessions. It is the creative process that is important and not the final product. During an expressive arts session clients are able to relax and tap into their inner self, the part of one’s self that often finds it difficult to be expressed. The goal is for the inner voice to be expressed during a session, which in turn brings a deeper understanding of one’s problems and awareness of self.

The expressive arts, as defined by the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association, combine the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative processes to foster deep personal growth and community development.

IEATA encourages an evolving multi-modal approach within psychology, community arts and education. By integrating the arts processes and allowing one to flow into another, we gain access to our inner resources for healing, clarity, illumination and creativity.
For more information about Expressive Arts and the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association please visit www.ieta.org.

Historically, the expressive arts have been part of ancient healing practices and a bridge between the world of words and our inner life. Therefore, Expressive Arts processes are used successfully in almost all psychotherapeutic contexts, ranging from working with the severely disturbed to the facilitation of human potential and growth (www.iups.edu).

What to Expect During an Expressive Arts Session
Each session lasts approximately 11/2 hours. Dress casually and comfortably. Most sessions begin with a relaxation exercise. Next is an opening that usually includes music or poetry related to the topic the client is working on. Following is the main project that is determined by the client’s preferences as indicated on the intake form. Discussion and processing of the project and the thoughts and feelings that occurred during the process are next. The session is closed with music or poetry.