The psychotherapeutic literature clearly indicates the importance of the person-to-person relationship to the outcome of therapy. We all need another person to break free from the limitations of a stressed mind. The same literature shows that the successful outcome of psychotherapy is less influenced by the type of therapy than by the relationship between you and the therapist. Non-conscious, non-verbal connection provides the single most potent aspect of therapy. Making art enables you to communicate via your ancient and fundamental limbic system.
By using art materials in a therapeutic relationship, a new, entirely unique ‘language’ can enable you to express deep feelings. This language is entirely your own. Manipulating colours, shapes, lines and forms can help you to articulate an embodied knowledge. This knowing is pre-verbal and may help to bring intuitive feelings to consciousness. It can provide a personal way to ‘make sense’ of your difficulties.
If you want to feel better your thinking mind may get in the way. Art therapy offers a helping hand.
