Art Therapy Ireland

Art Therapy makes use of various art materials such as paint, clay and collage to facilitate the expression and exploration of emotional issues. Through creating art and reflecting on the artwork with the support of a professional Art Therapist, people can work through emotional difficulties, which the individual may otherwise find difficult to understand or put into words. The overall aim of Art Therapy is to enable an individual to effect change and growth on a personal level in a safe and confidential environment. Together with the client, the Art Therapist explores and reflects on the artwork and the process of creating it. The Art Therapist does not interpret the artwork, only the creator knows what the artwork means. This empowers the individual to disclose only what feels safe for them. Art Therapy offers an alternative to other forms of psychotherapy for people who may not know what the problem is, or may find it difficult to know where to start. This may be the case for adults who have experienced problems such as bereavement or childhood abuse, or for children who are unable to understand their problems or put them into words. Art Therapy is suitable for individuals with conditions such as Asperger’s Syndrome and A.D.H.D. and is helpful for people of any age who find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings verbally. Art therapy is not about learning art skills or producing great works of art. No artistic ability or previous experience is required in order to benefit from the therapy, and all materials are provided by the therapist. For more information about art therapy or to arrange a consultation, please telephone Lorraine Shanahan, Art therapist at the Lismore Clinic.

 Art Psychotherapy, also known as art therapy, is a confidential, non-judgmental process in which tailored creative interventions are used for reflection and exploration of emotions and life experiences to promote growth and positive change in the presence of a professional trained art therapist.