* Art Therapy *
"I contacted Tatiana as a specialist in art therapy and metaphorical cards and she helped me a lot to get to a different level of understanding of my limiting beliefs which prevented me from making important life-changing decisions. I am very grateful to her for that. Apart from the fact that Tatiana is striving to be great at her profession, she is also a very warm and responsive person. I sincerely hope that she will have a chance to help as many people as possible.
(Marina, St.Petersburg, Russia, February 2018)
Art Therapy (also known as arts therapy) is a type of psychotherapy where different means of arts and creative methods of expression are used as a therapeutic technique.
Art therapy originated in the fields of art and psychotherapy and may vary in definition. In a way it might be more correct to divide it into "Therapeutic Arts" and "Art Psychotherapy", depending on the goals, tasks of the session and how it is lead - what involvement art therapist / psychologist / psychotherapist has.
Counselling & therapy with Metaphorical Associative Cards belong to art therapy techniques when projective tools are used for the sessions. In some sessions with MACards a client might be asked to express something on a blank card (the deck "Claro" from a series of OH-cards is a great tool for such sessions or pieces of paper of the size of a card can work well as well (usually from a poker size card to a postcard size).
There are a few common functions & tasks of Art Therapy, they define the type of specific sessions:
* diagnostics
* development
* correction
* psychotherapy
* aesthetical, creative
It is important to note that there is a debate in the world what stands behind certain terms related to using artistic means in therapy, counselling, coaching or social work.
There is also a term Expressive Arts Therapy, when the most important element is client's self-expression as well, whether from a point of joy of the creativity or to express some difficult feeling or emotion through a means of artistic expression. It is a wonderful method which can be quite effective especially in in-person and group format. In some countries specialists in that method strictly distinguish themselves from Art Therapists, however for example, in the training I've had through programs in Russia and Ukraine we worked with both methods, even if more often for online sessions I practice art therapy and after a client created a piece (e.g. a drawing or working with clay or foil) through questions we discuss what it means for the client and there can be a transformation element which is an important part of therapy in general.
There are a few different types of Creative Arts Therapy which are commonly distinguished even if definitions of this term might vary from country to country:
1) ART therapy 2) MUSIC therapy 3) DRAMA therapy 4) DANCE / Movement therapy.
There is also an integrative approach and some other techniques like doll therapy, scarf therapy and others.
Art therapy may focus on the creative art-making process itself, as therapy, or on the analysis of expression gained through an exchange of patient and therapist interaction.
As a type of art therapy technique SAND THERAPY was developed by followers of Jungian therapy. Now 2 main types exist - SandPlay therapy (more strictly regulated) and SandTray therapy (in Russian it is called "песочная терапия"). It is an amazing very effective method as well for working with kids and adults, used in individual and group format, more often in 1on1 sessions. I practice SandTray therapy as well (we use either sand or semolina and a series of little toys (figurines) or objects - whatever the client might have access to and feels like using for the session).
PhotoTherapy techniques are therapy practices that use people’s personal snapshots, family albums, and pictures taken by others (and the feelings, thoughts, memories, and associations these photos evoke) as catalysts to deepen insight and enhance communication during their therapy or counselling sessions (conducted by trained mental health professionals), in ways not possible using words alone. (definition by Judy Weiser).
Articles about Art Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy:
- "Defining Art Therapy today" (Article in "Psychology Today" )
- website of Cathy Malciodi (president of the "Art Therapy without Borders")
- Cathy Malciodi (article in "Psychology Today")
- PhotoTherapy Centre in Vancouver, BC (Judy Weiser)
- Wikipedia
- Music Therapy
"I turn to Tatana at times for Syncrovision sessions, and once she suggested to me instead to take a look at the situation through metaphorical cards. To be honest, before that I had a very vague understanding what it means, however now very glad that I agreed to give it a try :). Answers of those cards were very supportive and, what is important, they gave a platform for moving forward!! Even now, when time passed after that session, once in a while when I feel a sudden escalating lack of confidence, I would recall the card from that session and it helps me to feel support again. I feel very grateful!!!" (Oksana, Moscow, July 2017)
First time clients can book a 20-minute complimentary information session by Skype.
to define which type of sessions / methods can be more effective for you. Contact in writing by filling out this form. (In some cases complimentary minutes can be added to 1st paid session instead of taking it separately.)
to define which type of sessions / methods can be more effective for you. Contact in writing by filling out this form. (In some cases complimentary minutes can be added to 1st paid session instead of taking it separately.)