Individual & Group Art Therapy:  “Seeing How You Feel” Art Therapy F.A.Q. What is art therapy? Do I need to be an artist to do art therapy? How long has art therapy been around? How does art therapy work? Who can benefit from art therapy? What kind of education and training should an art therapist have? E.A.S.E.L.   DISCOVERY     (Art Therapy Groups for Personal Growth) E.A.S.E.L.  EVENTS     (Classes, Workshops & Events) Clinical  Consultation & Art Therapy Supervision Consultation to Organizations, Institutions & Businesses Community Outreach
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Individual & Group Art Therapy:  “Seeing How You Feel” Art Therapy F.A.Q. What is art therapy? Art therapy is the clinical application of art and psychology as a vehicle for communication, healing and growth.  Issues that can be addressed in clinical art therapy are similar to those challenges that would bring someone to seek help from any mental health professional.  Sometimes feelings are too difficult to talk about and the process of making art can make verbal expression more accessible.  Visual expression can provide a key for new understanding, promoting change, enhancing self-esteem and supporting self-empowerment. Absolutely no prior art experience is needed to participate in art therapy. Art therapy engages clients in creating images and reflecting on images for the sake of insight, personal growth and healing.  The art making that takes place in art therapy is process oriented rather than product oriented.  In other words, the focus of art making is not always about making something beautiful or learning how to perfect an artistic technique, as much as it is about expressing oneself with colors, images, shapes and symbols to reflect one’s feelings. The practice of using image making and image reflection in the art therapeutic process is based on creative expression existing in the right hemisphere of the brain (non-linear thinking), which is also the same side of the brain where emotions are housed. Because of the direct access to emotions, housed in the same hemisphere, art making during art therapy can access feelings and experiences that often cannot be accessed through the use of words, which are housed in the left hemisphere of the brain (linear thinking).  Words can be fleeting and often “invisible,” but pictures make many emotions visible and suspend them with captivated permanency. Images give birth in the client’s psyche, thus revealing to the client and art therapist a “picture” of internal feelings, being worked within the art therapy process.  Both the therapist and client can witness, validate and actually see how the client feels and many times in the picture there are many feelings to be reflected on all at once.  As clients work with images that emerge in art making, as well as in their dreams, they are expanding their conscious mind and, as Jungians call it, are journeying into wholeness. (For a definition of the profession of art therapy by the American Art Therapy Association please refer to the AATA website in “Related and Favorite Links”)
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Do I need to be an artist to do art therapy? No,you can do art therapy without having any art experience.  Being creative is innate in every human being and thus is accessible to all.  Since 20,000 BC men and women have been known to make art to express their ideas.  Art is just one of many forms of expression used for one’s creativity.  In art therapy the focus is on the art process instead of the art product.  Many people are used to the idea of art being made solely for the sake of selling and exhibiting the artist’s work.  Art therapy focuses on the simple use of media for personal and profound expression.  There is no one right or wrong way to make art.  There is your expression and thus your authentic way.   The “private canvas,” used in art therapy, is a vehicle for self-expression similarly to that as a page in a journal.
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How long has art therapy been around? Art therapy became an established profession in 1965 when the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) was formed.  AATA continues to set standards for the profession.  In 1994 the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) established certification for eligible art therapists and later became the official body to award registration as well as certification for the profession (ATR-BC).  Please see the links for AATA and ATCB below in the related favorite links section for qualifications to attain both Registration and Board Certification as an art therapist.
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How does art therapy work? Art therapy can literally allow you and your art therapist to begin to see how you feel.  Art therapy engages one in the creative process through art making, which can be healing, enriching and pleasurable.  As explained above, one does not have to be an artist to benefit from art therapy.  The process of making art and exploring the art visually, as well as talking about it with an art therapist, can promote personal growth.  Art therapy can facilitate change and provide coping skills, often with much more clarity than what words alone can provide often expediting therapy. The art therapist provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for the client to express him/herself through a variety of art media.  In the initial session, the art therapist will assess the needs, hopes and goals the client brings to therapy and will discuss ways in which art making and images can be used in addressing those needs.  Many times art therapists will work with the client’s psychiatrist, psychologist and counselor as a treatment team.  During art therapy sessions, sometimes the art making is spontaneous by the client and other times it is directed by the art therapist, with the emphasis on empowering the client to self-interpret his/her own art expressions, processes and meanings, with the guidance of the art therapist. Clients may choose art therapy because they may find it is easier to draw, paint or sculpt a feeling with a simple, elementary shape, mark, symbol or color to depict their feelings.   Often times the client may find these simple, symbolic gestures easier to make than to talk about the feeling and may find more meaning in their art than if just words alone are used.  The simple, expressed images of feelings become often, profound metaphoric representations of emotions, showing contextual relations between many images and feelings all at once, and can point the way toward care, healing and possibilities for insight.
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Who can benefit from art therapy? Art therapists work with individuals of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds, who have developmental, medical, or psychological concerns and those who are seeking personal growth opportunities.  While some children most often cannot easily express themselves verbally, adults on the other hand, may often use language to distance themselves from their emotions.  The non-verbal, visual expressive aspect of art therapy can therefore provide a means of enabling participants to break through obstacles toward enhanced self-expression.  Art therapy, allowing for the active exchange of communication between both the verbal and non-verbal forms of communication, heightens the therapeutic experience giving the client two modes of expressing thoughts, feelings and ideas instead of just one.  Art therapists can provide individual, group, couples, and family art therapy services, as well as work within communities.  Art therapy issues range from relationship issues, life-transitional issues, abuse issues, body image issues, mourning and loss, health concerns and depression.  Art therapy may also provide a way to explore spirituality and creativity.
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What kind of education and training should an art therapist have? Art therapists are professionals trained as clinicians in art therapy and hold a Master’s degree in Art Therapy or in a related mental health clinical field, incorporating additional coursework in art therapy.  Registration as an art therapist (ATR) and Board Certification (ATR-BC) are obtained once experience in the field and requirements are met.  Art therapists are skilled in the application of a variety of art modalities, such as drawing, painting, clay and other media, for treatment and assessment.  Some conduct research as well, and provide consultations to allied professionals. Please contact Cyndie for individual art therapy services by contacting her directly at 770.713.4794 or by e-mail at theeasel@bellsouth.net
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E.A.S.E.L.  DISCOVERY (Art Therapy Groups for Personal Growth) Metamorphosis:  Women’s Art Therapy Group An art therapy group for women, who wish to be supported, will meet to discover their authentic self and voice their passions through the creative art process.  This group is ideal for those going through life transitions, personal changes or challenges, and/or growth and who need support as they evolve into their new beginnings.  Art materials included.  No experience needed.  Thursdays Time: 6:00-7:30 p.m. on-going Cost: $65.00/session
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EASEL  EVENTS (attention:  see registration form) CALENDAR of Upcoming Workshops, Classes, Events, and lectures We can all benefit from the creative process.  Art making can relax us, inspire us and help us to grow.  These art groups are not intended as intensive therapy.  The focus is on the art form and creativity development.  The student defines his/her personal imagery, symbolism and metaphoric language.
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On-going Events Manifestations & Visual Journaling Create it and it will come!  Explore the use of art making with intentionality to help you focus on possibilities, your goals and mapping out your dreams.  This lively group will use a variety of art media with easy steps to implement-just bring your imagination!  The group will also explore the use of visual journaling to continue the process between and beyond the class gatherings. First Friday of Each Month Time: 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Cost: $35.00
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Media Mentoring:  Open Art Studio Play with paint, craft with clay or draw your desires while creating art with supportive mentoring.  Get the creative juices going!  Learn about accessing possibilities in your life, creative problem solving and generating new ideas from your creative process.  Art materials and mentoring instruction included.  Please RSVP one-week prior to reserve your time.  Sessions are held in the fully equipped and supplied studio and are facilitated by the director.  Basic art materials are included.   Fridays Time: 10:00-12:00 p.m. Cost: $30.00
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Upcoming Special Events Seasonal Celebrations and Workshops Mark the beginning of the season with renewal and celebration as we honor bringing more balance and vitality in our lives.  We will celebrate the new season of life metaphorically. See calendar for upcoming events
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Art & Spirituality Workshop Explore the use of art making used in various cultures and religions as we learn about their origins.  Shrines, altars, prayer beads, prayer arrows, prayer flags, sand paintings, mandalas and retablos are just some of the archetypal religious art forms from around the world to be discussed.  You may pick an art piece to make for your own personal meaning and take it home with you for continued reflections. First Saturday of the month Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost: $65.00 See calendar
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Clinical Consultation, Gatherings, & Art Therapy Supervision   Art Therapy Supervision Art therapy supervision is provided for those art therapists, who have completed their training in art therapy and who are attaining hours towards registration, to standards set by the ATCB (Art Therapy Credentialing Board).  Contact Cyndie to arrange appointment for supervision and to discuss fee.
Clinicians Networking with Art-making: Creating  for Community Cause Come network with other therapists in the Atlanta area and also have fun while making art for a community cause.  Please contact Cyndie to learn more about joining this free networking group.  R.S.V.P. one-week prior. Second Friday of the month Time: 1:00-2:30 p.m. Cost: Free
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Art-A-la-Carte: Clinicians’ Art Making Group for Mental Wellness Come make art on your lunch break!  Take time out to explore opportunities for personal and professional growth and become enriched through your creative art process.  Art materials included.  Don’t forget to pack imagination in your brown bag!  R.S.V.P. one week prior. Second Tuesday of the Month Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m. Cost: $15.00 (discounted for clinicians)
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Working with Community: Consulting to Businesses and Organizations Organizations, Institutions & Businesses served by the E.A.S.E.L., Inc. ArtReach, Inc. Center for the Visually Impaired Cherokee County Department of Children & Family Services Cobb County School System Kennesaw State University Continuing Education High Museum of Art St. Joseph’s Hospital Spruill Center for the Arts YWCA:  Battered Women’s Shelter
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Previous Art Classes, Gatherings, Events & Workshops Available upon Request On or Off-site for Your Organization Classes The Artist’s Way Intensive The Feminine Heroine Emancipating the Spiritual Creative Being Self as Healer, Teacher, Visionary & Leader Creating Art & Discovery of the Soul Art & Healing Making Art As a Spiritual Act Gatherings Her Sacred Circle Collaging Your Way to Your Authentic Self Events Winter Solstice Event Open House Heart Event Feast of Hilaria Making Mandalas Friday Night Event Workshops Painting from the Heart Making God Boxes Ancient Art & Ritual Peace Votive Candles Soul Card Workshop On A String and a Prayer:  Prayer Beads Workshop Clay Wisdom Bowl Workshop Art Making as Intentional Prayer
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Community Outreach YWCA Drawing Closer Art Holder Art Bags Quarterly, ten families at the Domestic Violence Shelter at the Cobb YWCA, have been given “Drawing Closer Art Holder” gift bags filled full of paints, markers, crayons and drawing tablets to encourage mother/child relatedness through the art process.  It’s our hope that kids can cuddle up with mom to make magic with markers, create wonders with crayons and mix passion with paint!  Contact Cyndie if you would like to donate boxes of new crayons, new watercolor sets (with brush), un-ruled journals or sketchbooks, pencils with erasers and washable marker sets.  Thank you!! Feel free to contact Cyndie if your non-for-profit agency is in need of Drawing Closer Art Holder Art Bags.
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