Wednesday, June 13, 2012
WHAT IS ARTISTIC THERAPY
It is comprised of two components: art and psychology.
Together these components provide
a powerful alternative to typical conversational therapy,
encouragement for clients to re-discover and empower their own unique individuality and cope with emotional or psychological issues
Who benefits?
Clients who do not have artistic experience benefit from the creative process. Previous experience with artistic activities is not required, even the client who thinks he/she can only draw “stick people” is a perfectly suitable candidate. It is the activity of the art making that has the therapeutic effect; the end product is of far lesser importance. This therapy is very beneficial for situations and issues where words fall short and the clients cannot express what is in their heart and mind.
What will be done?
The core modalities of artistic therapy are watercolour painting, drawing with pastels and black and white pencils, and clay modeling. Incorporated in the process are a broad range of creative activities, such as journaling; story writing and telling; relaxation exercises; poetry; geometric form drawing; visualization, and biography work.
Sessions for individuals are 1 to 11/2 hours in duration.
Group sessions are two hours in duration. Group sizes range from four to eight participants.
What are the benefits?
By providing a safe and non-threatening environment, the artistic therapist invites the individual to express their feelings through a variety of art media. Emphasis is placed on the individual who is encouraged to empower him/herself through the self-exploration and self-interpretation of their own art. The artwork can be spontaneous but may also be directed by the therapist. Through the art process, individuals can often approach difficult issues and convey a message much clearer and safer than with words. The art product serves as a record of these events, which the individual can later reflect on and eventually understand with greater clarity.
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ARTISTIC THERAPY with Rinske Salverda
ReplyDeleteMy son is 22 years old and autistic (PDD)
When we first started doing therapy with Rinske, Nikolas was all over the place! Pacing, saying “No” all the time, leaving the room if he did not want to participate.
Through her getting to know him and her well planned activities, I have seen marked improvement since he has been working with Rinske.
Rinske is channeling him to a better place. He is learning and opening up- without even realizing it!
Through story telling which Rinske does with great care and expression from memory, drumming, walking and clapping exercises (activating both sides of the brain),writing, math (which he did not enjoy before) he is progressing very well. He is comfortable with Rinske. Art includes drawing, clay modeling and water color painting. Care, method with the brush and focus are all involved in the painting, as well as attention to instruction.
Nikolas knows the routine and enjoys coming.
What excites me most is watching them drumming! One will start and the other joins in. When my son is the leader and Rinske joins in, there is pure joy on his face! (mine too)
There is a lot of eye contact and social interaction. Mostly there is fun and laughter!
I have tried a few programs in the last few years. Some were a joke, what they charged was not!
With Rinske you get your moneys worth and more. Not just with the program but with the care and kindness she provides too!
Svetlana.