The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as an

integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. 

 

Art Therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.

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I see art therapy as a vehicle for releasing the inner spirit that desires to be recognized and connected with the conscious self. The art therapist is a witness to this process and assists the client in making this connection and thereby enriching the client's expression of self. 

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As an artist, I also experience this process  as it unfolds and expresses itself in my artwork. I am always amazed at how much the art process conveys my inner knowing as it connects to the artwork.

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The object or image calls before I create it. At times, it is already formed, vibrant, waiting to be released. At other times, it slowly unfolds as I work the medium. I move through various media from found objects like stones and rocks to more traditional ones such as canvas, clay, and paper. Regardless of the media, the creative calling is always there. I just have to be present to listen and release it.