Art therapy for Adults
Both individual and group Art Therapy settings/workshops are available for adults.
People often think that there needs to be a specific problem or issue in order to need Art Therapy. As adults our lives are fast-paced and very much goal or product orientated. We are constantly in ‘doing’ mode. Our daily responsibilities and expectations of how we should be managing our time limit our opportunities to stop, express, explore, reflect and just be. Art Therapy is an opportunity to literally be in the moment, be present and develop the capacity to be more mindful and conscious of oneself both in the personal and professional spheres.
The Art Therapist creates a safe space whereby the client can express and communicate difficult thoughts and feelings that may not even be conscious yet. The therapist and client then work together in exploring the symbolic nature inherent in creative matter, allowing for a deeper understanding and meaning to be reflected upon and thereby re-integrated in a conscious and meaningful manner
Individual sessions:
You are welcome to come and try a session without having to commit. However, for best results it is advisable to attend individual Art Therapy sessions once a week at the same time each week so that the space becomes a reliable, consistent safe space for growth and transformation.
Duration of individual sessions:
Adults: 1 hour
Art Therapy for Children
Children often find it difficult to find words and to express themselves and communicate their feelings. They may not feel comfortable or even want to talk to adults especially when there are expectations that they ‘should’ talk.
In Art Therapy, the process is very different from talking therapy or art lessons, in that there are no expectations to have to perform / create / do / speak. Rather, a safe space is created for the child or adolescent to express themselves at their own pace and in their own way. Given a safe contained space to do so, children innately know exactly what they need (in terms of art materials) and what they want to do or make in the room. The art becomes the bridge between the unconscious and conscious, allowing what has not yet formed into words to be expressed and released. This can then later be processed, reflected on and explored in order to find meaning.
Some of the benefits of Art Therapy are that children will develop their innate creativity and spontaneity and imagination, build confidence, learn new skills, nurture emotional growth, work through difficulties, have the freedom to make decisions, experiment with and test out new ideas and ways of being in the world, expression and working through of emotions, anxiety and conflict. The process also develops personal insight, self-awareness and reflection, ordering of experiences visually and verbally, and of course relaxation.
Art becomes the bridge between different languages, experiences and cultural barriers.
Currently only individual sessions are available for children and adolescents. However should you have an existing group of children who want to participate in a group Art Therapy experience in Cape Town, please email me on bellmalcolm212@gmail.com
Duration of individual sessions:
Children: 45 mins
Teenagers: 50 mins
Services Provided
Work Focus