Frequently Asked Questions
In "Art in Therapy", Art is used to enhance understanding and address issues. The Counsellor works with the Client to explore the content and the deeper meaning of the image/ artwork. The Counsellor asks the Client to describe what he or she sees in the picture. It’s not about the Clients’ interpretation, but about what is actually there, what they have drawn.
One of the key aspects of Art in Therapy is its ability to access and work with the unconscious parts of the mind. This approach is deeply rooted in the theories of psychoanalysis and psychology that emphasize the significance of unconscious processes in shaping our behaviors and emotions. By engaging the unconscious, Art in Therapy provides a powerful tool for healing and personal growth
Integrated Art Therapy combines "Art in Therapy" with counselling approaches like the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy.
Traditional counselling approaches:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Tackle troubling thoughts and patterns with CBT. This counselling approach helps you identify and change negative thinking and behavior, leading to improved mood and reduced stress. It’s practical, structured, and helps you deal with challenges in a positive way.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Explore the deeper parts of your story with Psychodynamic Therapy. This counselling approach helps uncover the root causes of your feelings and behaviors, often linked to past experiences. It’s like detective work for the soul, offering profound insights and lasting change.
- Person-Centred Therapy: You’re the expert on your life in Person-Centred Therapy. Here, we create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for you to explore and grow. This counselling approach empowers you to find your own solutions, fostering self-awareness and personal development.
Introduction and Establishing Rapport
- Counsellor’s Introduction: The Counsellor might start by introducing themselves, explaining their qualifications, therapeutic approach, and what the Client can expect from the counselling process, specifically highlighting the use of art in therapy as part of the approach.
- Client's Introduction: The Client is encouraged to share a bit about themselves, with an emphasis on any previous experiences with a Counsellor and/or art or creative expression, though this is not a prerequisite for participation.
- Building Trust: Establishing a comfortable, safe environment for open expression, both verbal and through art.
Assessment and Information Gathering
- Intake Form and Confidentiality Agreement: Client will fill up the form and sign the Agreement either before the session or at the session.
- Presenting Issues: Discussion of the Client’s reasons for seeking counselling, including an exploration of how these issues might be expressed or explored through art.
- History Taking: Questions may also cover any artistic interests or experiences, as part of understanding the Client’s background.
- Goal Setting: Goals for therapy might include specific objectives related to self-expression, emotional exploration, or healing through art.
Explanation of Policies and Procedures
- Confidentiality: Clarification on how the sessions will be treated in terms of privacy and confidentiality.
- Session Logistics: Details about how art-making will be incorporated into sessions, including time allocation and materials.
- Therapeutic Approach: Explanation of how art in therapy works, its benefits, and what the Client can expect when engaging in art activities as part of therapy.
Incorporating Art Therapy Activity
- Introduction to Art Activity: The Counsellor may introduce an art-making activity tailored to the Client's interests and therapeutic goals.
- Engagement in Art-Making: The Client engages in the art activity, which serves as a non-verbal way to express thoughts and emotions. The Counsellor provides a supportive presence, facilitating the activity without judgment.
- Discussion of Artwork: Following the art-making, there is a reflective discussion about the experience, the process, and any thoughts or feelings that emerged. At WOODS, we actively engage the client using Art in Therapy. This is a powerful medium for self-expression, exploration, and healing. It allows individuals to access and process complex emotions, promotes a sense of empowerment and control, and facilitates communication and connection in the therapeutic relationship.
Establishing the Therapeutic Framework
- Collaborative Nature: Highlighting the art activity as an example of the collaborative and explorative nature of therapy.
- Initial Interventions: Suggestions for activities the Client might explore between sessions.
Conclusion and Next Steps
- Wrapping up: Reflections and insights gained from the art activity and discussion, and integrating these into the counselling therapy goals.
- Scheduling: Planning for the continuation of further sessions, based on the Client's comfort and interest.
Immediate Benefits of an Integrated Art Therapy session:
Establishment of a Therapeutic Relationship
Rapid rapport building between the Counsellor and Client through art's unique expressive opportunities.
Enhanced sense of safety and trust
Enhanced Self-expression and Insight
Immediate and tangible outlets for self-expression.
Deeper emotional insights and understanding of underlying issues.
Emotional Relief and Positive Outlook
Immediate distress reduction through art creation and counseling.
Increased hope and optimism about navigating personal challenges.
A typical session lasts from 60 – 90 mins.
The first ~20-30 minutes is usually for updates from the Client, homework discussion, and setting the agenda for the day (the Client and the therapist do this collaboratively).
The next ~30 minutes can consist of art making to address the targeted goal.
The last ~30 minutes is for discussion and exploration of the artwork, processing and consolidating what was gained and experienced, and for wrapping up the session, including scheduling the next appointment.
To cancel your appointment without incurring penalty costs, please allow a minimum of exactly 48 hours. You can call or WhatsApp us at +65 6200 6645 to do so. Our policy is that cancellations that are done with less than a 48-hour notice incur a 100% fee unless unique circumstances warrant special arrangements.