Expressive Art Therapy Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC

Learning Objectives Describe the origins of art therapy. Explain art therapy, its goals, and clinical uses. List the steps to initiating art therapy. Identify illustrative themes in art therapy. Describe experiences with art therapy.

Draw… how you feel.

Copyright 2011. Mike Koopsen Art Therapy Origins Art as personal expression dates back to prehistoric times Art as form of therapy dates back to Freud and Jung American Art Therapy Association formed in 1969 Ancient Pictograph Copyright 2011. Mike Koopsen Used with Permission

What is Art Therapy? “The creative use of art to provide a nonverbal expression and communication through which to foster self-awareness and personal growth.”

Why Art Therapy? A way to share thoughts, feelings, and emotions that cannot be put into words Connects the subconscious and conscious minds

Goals of Art Therapy Strengthens self-esteem Provides catharsis Releases anger Reduces feelings of guilt Facilitates impulse control Provides an outlet during incapacitating illness

Clinical Uses of Art Therapy Veterans hospitals Eating disorders Incarcerated individuals Abused children Drug rehabilitation Mental health facilities Young children Cancer patients Chronic pain patients

The ABCs of Art Therapy It is not about being an artist Utilize a variety of materials Consider illustrative themes Creative interpretations are important Work alone or with friends Verbalizing interpretation helps process the experience Keep the artwork where it can be seen

Illustrative Themes Draw yourself Draw a fantasy animal Draw a house Draw something that represents you Close your eyes and draw a line on a paper Draw an expression of anger/fear Draw a healing image of you Draw a peaceful image Draw how you feel right now Draw a dream/meditative image

Interpretations Every line, point, color, and image means something May not be immediately apparent to the artist Only the artist is best qualified to make an interpretation The role of a therapist is to aid the artist in interpretation Interpretations are part of the healing process

Meaning of Color Red —passion, emotions, compassion or anger Orange —life change; big or small, usually positive Yellow —energy; positive message Green/Blue —happiness, joy, strong sense or desire for groundedness and stability in environment Purple/Violet —highly spiritual nature; unconditional love Brown —groundedness; stability Black —grief, despair, fear, or sense of personal empowerment White —fear, avoidance, cover-up, hope Gray —sense of ambiguity or uncertainty about an important issue

Questions? Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC ckoopsen@allegralearning.com www.allegralearning.com 760-231-9678