Expressive art can provide an indispensable connection between life and expression through intermodal art.
The expressive arts modalities I use include visual arts such as painting, drawing, clay, collage, and photography; language arts such as writing, poetry, stories as well as movement and sound. Expressive arts provide individuals with an opportunity to express their lived experiences. One is not required to “be” good at art, it requires a willingness to use the imagination, to trust the process, and allow the expressive arts therapist to be a guide. Awareness of mind, body, spirit connection to self and connection to others is a focus.
Art can hold difficult emotions and experiences that are hard to put into words. It is shown to be most important with trauma, providing space to express and feel understood. The establishment of safety will be at the forefront of all expressive arts sessions.