Unit 5, Lesson 7, Ex.4a What is Art Therapy? At some point in their lives, people may find themselves overwhelmed by the emotions which are difficult to face either by themselves or with others. Art therapy offers a chance to express these thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. It involves using a wide variety of art materials, for example paints, clay and batik, to create a visual representation of thought and feelings.
Who is it for? It’s for everybody. For people who are generally stressed and overworked. For people with health problems. For people with learning difficulties. For children and young people who have problems in school or personal problems at home. For people who feel they are problem free but would like to learn more about themselves.
What skills do you need? The simple answer is none. Art therapy requires no artistic ability. The Art Therapist offers guidance and support and a variety of art materials.
What is the aim of art therapy? The aim of art therapy is to improve or maintain mental health and emotional well-being. But whereas some of the other expressive therapies use the performing arts for expressive purposes, art therapy generally uses drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and other forms of visual art expression. For that reason art therapists are trained to recognize the nonverbal symbols and metaphors that are communicated within the creative process, symbols and metaphors which might be difficult to express in words. By helping their clients to discover what underlying thoughts and feelings are being communicated in the artwork and what it means to them, it is hoped that clients will not perhaps develop a better understanding of themselves and the way they relate to the people around them.
Unit 5, Lesson 8, Ex.3 I noticed that the wall around the perimeter of the frame was charred black. I touched the frame, confused, but instantly jerked my hand back. The metal was blazing hot. I smelled burning flesh.