Art Therapy and the Human Experience

By Lauren Cormier, LPC / MAAT

“Art never lies,” mused an instructor-mentor. Art has the capability to reveal our inner most truths. Whether we are consciously aware of them or not, the expression of the human experience through art increases the knowledge of self and ability to be authentic.

Why Art Therapy Works?

1. Perspective and Perception – A person’s perspective on their environment coupled with their perception of self often dictates their emotional experience. Art reveals these emotions through a body and mind experience. Connecting the body and mind helps to develop a mindful state of the moment.
2. Controlling Feelings and Impulses – Art expression helps to modulate a person’s emotional response. A safe space to emote through visuals can increase confidence and your ability to know you can do it.
3. Behavior change –  In recent studies by  Haeyan, van Hooren and Hutchemaekers (2015), individuals participating in art therapy report a greater sense of control in their behavior towards self and others. It’s not an exact science but many art expressive therapists believe a self-directed therapy through art creates a practice arena or palette to problem solve future conflicts.

New Directions Counseling Services’ art therapist, Lauren Cormier, provided these bullet points regarding art therapy.

• Creative expression – art, music and dance – has always been an instinctive part of human existence. It is a powerful way to communicate.
• Creative-expressive therapies, such as art psychotherapy, capitalize on this as both means and end to self-exploration, self-awareness, and catharsis for growth and change.
• The process is often more important than the product. In fact, the quality of your work does not matter as much as how you got there. Creativity is part of everyone, no matter how “un-creative” they think they are; it can be a window to the soul for better understanding of self, emotions, and relationships

Art Therapy in Action

“Project Rise” is a visual community art piece, in the modality of fabric and mixed-media art, initiated by artist and art therapist Heather Togbetse from just over the PA-Maryland border www.facebook.com/TATcollective/

The project asked individuals to contribute feathers – symbolizing freedoms and the ability to rise above hate & intolerance – depicting ideas & values that are integral to the individual’s life in the USA and that they want to be valued by the nation.

Ms. Togbetse is taking the Project Rise wings to universities, political events, and other gatherings, creating opportunities for more community expression (see Figure 1)

NDCS staff had the opportunity to participate through art therapist, Lauren Cormier, MAAT, LPC. Lauren remarked on the project and art therapy as well.

“I noticed that the feathers created within the practice reflected concepts and freedoms that are also integral to a healing therapeutic alliance: hope; honesty; courage; mindfulness of one’s breath; acceptance; looking for similarities and advantages among people, not differences.”

“Clients who have tried the creative/art process with me in session have had reactions ranging from surprise, uncertainty, anxiety, to great insight, satisfaction or relief. Many people have said that drawing, writing, or sculpting has helped them express something they could not put into words.”

“I have watched as imagery helps someone find awareness or meaning that would have taken many sessions of talking to awaken.”

If you are interested in utilizing art expressive therapy, please contact New Directions Counseling Services at 724.934.3905