A professionally trained creative arts therapist may introduce a space where unfinished business, from childhood memories, experiences and introjections (internal messages), that are inappropriate are unpacked and explored. Permission is given to allow expression at all levels, however small or large – physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually – which can aid the release of a body tension, emotion, images left unexpressed and memories unvisited.
Creativity is a central component of an engaging and joyful life, and we each express our creativity in unique ways. The question is not whether you are creative, but rather what areas bring out your creativity?
Creative arts therapies are the integration of art processes with counselling and psychotherapy using various forms of interventions, which include using creative and therapeutic play. The invitation is to choose from a ‘box full of media’. For example – art; clay; puppets; music; drama; body movement; metaphor; imagination and story-telling. Each form has its own unique role in therapy depending on the client, how creative the therapist is, the setting and application. The relationship between the client, therapist and object of expression is considered central to this approach.
I ensure various items are visible to draw attention and tickle curiosity, for example paper, paint, pens, puppets, play-dough and clay, stones, materials, stickers, scissors, glue, tissue paper– and myself with my internal ‘box of tricks’. Music is available (with some instruments) and clients are invited to bring music to play that may have touched their hearts.
This way of working is highly original and a true, flexible, living gestalt.
On a personal note - Creative Arts Therapy allows me a time to reflect and explore the experiences I have inside me, the creativity that is the celebration of life where I can play with sensations and dance with excitement.
"Creativity is a celebration of one's grandeur, one's sense of making anything possible. Creativity is a celebration of life- my celebration of life. It is a bold statement: I am here! I love life! I love me! I can be anything! I can do anything!"
Joseph Zinker
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