Arts Therapies is the umbrella term for art, music, dance movement, drama and play therapies. Each of these modalities has its own regulatory body which maintains proficiency and standards along with the HCPC guidelines. In short- the people who set the guidelines to keep everyone safe.
Arts Therapists are trained to use creative mediums alongside psychological and psychotherapy underpinnings to support clients through their therapy journey. People often find it difficult to verbalise their thoughts, emotions and situations, especially when sitting facing a therapist. Sometimes it is because as a society we are not taught how to identify them, or that saying things that have happened to us or things we feel is scary, we fear judgment, shame or the repercussions of bringing this into our conscious.
Regardless of the modality you choose to go with, all our therapists are trained and regulated to the highest standards and work at a pace that is directed by you. Some people come to therapy with specific goals they want to work towards, some have no idea what they want to achieve, just that they want to work on something. This is where having the art form holds its power, not having words doesn't have to hold you back. You do not need to be knowledgeable or skilled in the art form, this isn't the reason they are used, it is there for you to find another way of communicating when you can’t or don’t want to speak about it.
This could look like using characters from film or play to identify with, drawing or painting to engage your subconscious or creating sounds with instruments. Arts Therapists work with you to understand and move through blocks. Yes, talking does happen in Arts Therapy- in some sessions you may only talk, the art form is there as an additional tool for you to use if needed.
Arts Therapists are trained in their specific medium as well as Psychotherapy, think of art, music, dance movement, drama and play as second languages. When a therapist can give you another language to speak in, one that feels less scary and confrontational- you can go deeper into your reasons for wanting therapy and often access your subconscious more easily.
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