l world. This can be a true art, and a very healing, experience. The therapist facilitates the client to explore the meaning of what has been created, as well as exploring the feelings experienced before, during and after the creation of the work. The task of the art-therapist is to help people find ways to relate to the images they have created, to make sense of their creation, and in so doing to apply any insights gained to their day-to-day lives. The meaning of the wArt therapy provides the opportunity for insight, self-expression and communication, within a safe therapeutic relationship between client and therapist. It can take place in one-to-one settings, or in groups. It is frequently used in educational settings, in psychiatric wards, in art psychotherapy, in self-development groups, in nursing homes, in rehabilitation programs, in prisons, and in many other settings. Art therapy can provide a fascinating pathway to the unconscious world of every person. This world is a source of creativity, uniqueness and energy, but also of repressed emotions, impulses and conflicts. Art therapy uses many forms of art, therapeutically, as a way of releasing repressed emotions and experiences, communicating symbolically with the unconscious mind, and exploring one's development and growth.

What happens during an art therapy session?

The therapist usually provides a range of materials that the client can use. These materials include paper, cardboard, paints, crayons, chalks, pen and pencils, clay, textiles, old magazines (for collage), wood, or any other type of medium that the therapist feels may interest and inspire the client. The client is either asked to create a picture or object with a specific theme in mind, or is allowed to choose his or her own theme. Some people find it difficult to be spontaneous, and so may prefer to be given a theme with which to work. Others may want to create something that is uniquely their own idea. The therapist gently encourages the client to experiment with different materials and themes during the therapy process.

It is important that clients feel in control of their work. Art therapy can be a very satisfying experience when the client views the images on paper which he or she has solely created. The client has given birth to images that were previously locked in his or her internal world. This can be a true art, and a very healing, experience. The therapist facilitates the client to explore the meaning of what has been created, as well as exploring the feelings experienced before, during and after the creation of the work. The task of the art-therapist is to help people find ways to relate to the images they have created, to make sense of their creation, and in so doing to apply any insights gained to their day-to-day lives. The meaning of the w

cious world of every person. This world is a source of creativity, uniqueness and energy, but also of repressed emotions, impulses and conflicts. Art therapy uses many forms of art, therapeutically, as a way of releasing repressed emotions and experiences, communicating symbolically with the unconscious mind, and exploring one's development and growth.

What happens during an art therapy session?

The therapist usually provides a range of materials that the client can use. These materials include paper, cardboard, paints, crayons, chalks, pen and pencils, clay, textiles, old magazines (for collage), wood, or any other type of medium that the therapist feels may interest and inspire the client. The client is either asked to create a picture or object with a specific theme in mind, or is allowed to choose his or her own theme. Some people find it difficult to be spontaneous, and so may prefer to be given a theme with which to work. Others may want to create something that is uniquely their own idea. The therapist gently encourages the client to experiment with different materials and themes during the therapy process.

It is important that clients feel in control of their work. Art therapy can be a very satisfying experience when the client views the images on paper which he or she has solely created. The client has given birth to images that were previously locked in his or her internal world. This can be a true art, and a very healing, experience. The therapist facilitates the client to explore the meaning of what has been created, as well as exploring the feelings experienced before, during and after the creation of the work. The task of the art-therapist is to help people find ways to relate to the images they have created, to make sense of their creation, and in so doing to apply any insights gained to their day-to-day lives. The meaning of the w

ient can use. These materials include paper, cardboard, paints, crayons, chalks, pen and pencils, clay, textiles, old magazines (for collage), wood, or any other type of medium that the therapist feels may interest and inspire the client. The client is either asked to create a picture or object with a specific theme in mind, or is allowed to choose his or her own theme. Some people find it difficult to be spontaneous, and so may prefer to be given a theme with which to work. Others may want to create something that is uniquely their own idea. The therapist gently encourages the client to experiment with different materials and themes during the therapy process.

It is important that clients feel in control of their work. Art therapy can be a very satisfying experience when the client views the images on paper which he or she has solely created. The client has given birth to images that were previously locked in his or her internal world. This can be a true art, and a very healing, experience. The therapist facilitates the client to explore the meaning of what has been created, as well as exploring the feelings experienced before, during and after the creation of the work. The task of the art-therapist is to help people find ways to relate to the images they have created, to make sense of their creation, and in so doing to apply any insights gained to their day-to-day lives. The meaning of the w

work. Others may want to create something that is uniquely their own idea. The therapist gently encourages the client to experiment with different materials and themes during the therapy process.

It is important that clients feel in control of their work. Art therapy can be a very satisfying experience when the client views the images on paper which he or she has solely created. The client has given birth to images that were previously locked in his or her internal world. This can be a true art, and a very healing, experience. The therapist facilitates the client to explore the meaning of what has been created, as well as exploring the feelings experienced before, during and after the creation of the work. The task of the art-therapist is to help people find ways to relate to the images they have created, to make sense of their creation, and in so doing to apply any insights gained to their day-to-day lives. The meaning of the w

l world. This can be a true art, and a very healing, experience. The therapist facilitates the client to explore the meaning of what has been created, as well as exploring the feelings experienced before, during and after the creation of the work. The task of the art-therapist is to help people find ways to relate to the images they have created, to make sense of their creation, and in so doing to apply any insights gained to their day-to-day lives. The meaning of the work is explored by discussing the atmosphere or mood of the work, for example, whether it is peaceful, intense, or violent. The relationship between different elements in the work is also explored, for example, whether balanced, in conflict or in harmony. The colours chosen, the size and thickness of brush-strokes, are also significant. Sometimes clients discharge a lot of emotion through their images; for example anger may be represented by fire, hurricanes or explosions, while control may be represented by a closed gate or a dammed-up river. It can also happen that clients may create only 'happy' pictures. This can be a form of either conscious or unconscious denial; a way of keeping their rage or sadness private, and of giving the impression to the outside world that everything is wonderful.

All human experiences can be represented in symbolic form: loss and separation, abuse, rage, isolation, love, trust, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, self-hatred, shame, guilt, sadness, joy, healing etc. The client always holds the key to the meaning of the images and the artwork. While much imagery has a universal significance, the images a person makes have a meaning that is personal, and particular to him or her. An interpretation made too readily by a therapist might well say more about the therapist's problem with transference, than about the client's work. The images have been created entirely out of the client's imagination. In choosing from an infinite number of lines, shapes, tones, textures, and colours, the client has imprinted his or her own personality on the work. A client may be asked to draw a life map, a geographical view of the highlights, the valleys, the landmarks and watersheds of life to-date. This life map can then be discussed with the client, if he or she wishes to share it with the therapist. The therapist may ask the client what feelings, and t