If you are reading this page, we imagine you are curious about what exactly expressive arts therapies are and what they might be used for. Great questions!

The field of expressive arts therapy emerged in the late 20^th century as a way to help people with various mental health concerns through the use of all of their senses. Expressive arts therapies have been used to incorporate creative means into therapy to help cultivate a healing environment. The idea is that by tapping in to our creative sides, we engage various senses as well as different parts of our brain that aren’t always activated through talk therapy alone. Ultimately, activating different brain pathways in a safe, productive way can allow for corrective emotional experiences and enhanced healing. Additionally, expressive arts therapies can be an awesome alternative for individuals of any age who may find it easier to express themselves through creative mediums rather than through voice and words, allowing clients to do the telling without the talking.

• Types of expressive arts therapies include, but are not limited to:
  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Dance
  • Sculpting
  • Music
  • Writing
  • Sound

• Expressive art therapies can be helpful for a wide range of mental health concerns. Some of the most common include:
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Attention Disorders
  • Eating Disorders
  • Bereavement
  • Addictions
  • Neurodiversity
  • Self-Esteem
  • Interpersonal Relationship Concerns

There are two types of Expressive Arts Therapy sessions:

• Client-Led
• Clinician-Led

In client-led expressive art therapy, the client directs the activity, making each artistic choice personally, while the clinician serves as an observer. The client dictates which materials are used, background noise, and overall project. Client-led expressive arts promotes self-expression and autonomy and can be used as a way for nervous system regulation while engaging with other forms of therapy (talk therapy, etc), or can be used as it’s own therapeutic process.

In clinician-led expressive arts therapy, the clinicain may prompt a certain type of art or expressive arts experience as a part of processing an experience or emotion. Based on client needs and goals, the clinician may prompt a client to explore self-expression or personal advocacy through art to facilitate emotional communication and expression through nonverbal means.

Join us in exploring a variety of art mediums every 1st Sunday of the month at our Loveland office. Our art group is open to anyone age 16+, with exceptions available based on project and alternative circumstances. Contact us through email or our website to learn more information about this month’s art project.

Past Groups:

• Pottery and Hand-Sculpting
• Fluid Art

Upcoming Groups:

• Intention-Based Candle Making
• Jewelry Making
• Multimedia Collage
• Printmaking
• Abstract Painting
• … and more!

We will also be hosting teen art groups every other month on the second Sunday. Our teen art groups are open to individuals aged 13-18 and will focus on art projects centered on self-esteem, connection, self-expression, nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and more.

Upcoming Projects:

• Multimedia Collage
• Sensory Toy Creation
• Hand Sculpting
• … and more!