Art therapy and the Expresive Arts/ Andrea Baier Petiet.

Lecture of the art therapist Andrea Baier Petiet and notes of the most important reflections, really useful for the creation of my sessions.
To watch the video click here.

- Art therapy: utilizes the visual arts using many types of art media.
- Expressive art therapy: utilizes the visual arts, music, writing, poetry, drama, movement, play and sand tray.
  Both of them have different histories and theories, but same objectives and benefits.

What is Art therapy?
  A mental health profession that integrates art, counseling and psychology. Used to assess and treat people with developmental, medical, educational, social, behavioral and emotional issues.
  It uses creative expression to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, regulate emotions and achieves insight.
  From 1940 to 1970, Margaret Naumderg, Edith Kramer and Elinor Ulman were the first educators of art therapy.

Some objectives:
- To provide a safe therapeutic setting.
- To create a time out from distractions.
- To create a distance between the client and the problem.
- For the therapist to be authentic, nonjudgmental and empathic, so trust may develop.

"What is the colour of your feelings?
What your feelings smell?
How they taste?
How they look like?
How they sound?
From where they come from?"

If you have a strong emotion, try to find and describe the opposite in the same way: angry~calm.
Remember: you have a voice.
Some benefits: decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, explore conflicts. emotions, promote HOPE.

"Art workshops give older people a greater sense of empowerment and individuality".