Art Therapy is a process by which individuals can gain a clearer understanding of themselves by exploring difficult thoughts and feelings through the use of art materials. Images can be a way of expressing thoughts and feelings that are not quite clear enough to be dealt with in words alone.

It differs from other therapies in that it employs various art media; paint, clay, collage, etc., to facilitate the clients' expression and awareness of areas of their experience beyond the reach of words alone

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Art therapy is used in many settings with many different client groups. It provides an alternative means of expression for individuals who have difficulty finding words to express themselves, e.g. children, adolescents, elderly, people with learning difficulties, people experiencing depression or other kinds of psychiatric conditions, to name some of the areas of application. In situations where words are not enough, art therapy provides a non-threatening, non-verbal, indirect means of expression whereby the person can explore difficult feelings and issues in the safe non- judgmental environment provided by the therapist. The role of art is valuable, especially for anyone who cannot easily articulate many of their own feelings and who need the safety of the medium before being able to express themselves more fully and directly.

The therapeutic value of Art has long been acknowledged in history. Many cultures have been aware of the healing virtues of art activities, whether these were individual/ group or cultural expressions. However, it was not until the turn of the century that Art Therapy emerged and developed as a profession in the post-war era in Britain and the U.S.A.

Many of the pioneers of Art Therapy came from the field of art education and the psychoanalytic tradition and worked in sanatoriums, hospitals and schools starting in the late 1930's. They recorded their work and began to develop a language and literature of Art Therapy. Training courses were established that led to professional recognition by the NHS and DSS in the U.K. and similar status in the United States. Art therapists trained abroad began working in Ireland in the mid 1980's. Training in art therapy has been available in Ireland Since ?.

The Handbook of Art Therapy. Case, C. & Dalley, T. (1992). London: Routledge.

Working with Children in Art Therapy. Case, C. & Dalley, T. (1990). London: Routledge.

Art Therapy for groups. Liebmann, M. (1990). London: Routledge.

Art Therapy: The Person-centred Way. Silverstone, L. (1997). London: Jessica Kingsley

Websites

Ritaproject www.ritaproject.org

Q: Do I have to be good at art to participate in art therapy?
No particular skill or expertise is needed to participate in art therapy, you do not need to be 'good at art'.

Q: Will the therapist be teaching me techniques?
Art therapy is not art teaching. The therapist does not seek to impart art skills. While it is not necessary to for the client to be artistic in order to benefit from the process, the development of artistic ability can of itself be therapeutic.

Q: Will the therapist interpret my work and be able to see things about me that I can't?
As it is the client who creates the images, the interpretation and understanding of them is guided by the client, not imposed by the therapist.

Q: What if I'm not able to paint a picture?
Art therapy is not about making a work of art or a finished artwork although this may happen. It's more about finding ways to express ideas and feelings through the use of art materials. Scribbles and marks are fine.

Q: Wil I need to bring paints or brushes etc?
All materials are provided by the therapist.

Q: Will I get dirty?
It can be a good idea, especially for children, to wear something that isn't too precious.

Q: Can I take my work with me?
Generally the art work is kept in an individual folder in a safe place by the therapist. At the end of therapy it is up to the client whether they wish to take their work or not.

Q: Wil I be working in a group?
Art therapy can be provided in a group or individually depending on the setting.