Art Therapy

What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is a counseling method that involves making visual art in addition to talking. Sometimes words just aren't enough. Art provides a way to give form to the inexpressible. Art Therapy can be useful for couples that are trying to understand how they work together and for individuals who need some clarity about an issue. Art therapy is especially helpful if you are recovering from a serious disruption in your life such as depression, separation or divorce, bereavement, job loss, empty nest, military experience, or illness. Did I forget to mention, making art can be a lot of fun? Sometimes a playful approach to a serious problem is just the right choice. Art Therapy is easy to do.

Who is it for? It’s for everybody.

For people who are generally stressed and overworked
For managers and staff under pressure
For people that have experienced traumatic brain injury, stroke, cancer, or other medical trauma
For people trying to make sense of difficult experiences in the present or past
For people who feel they are problem-free but would like the opportunity to explore issues within themselves

To schedule an appointment: email or phone: 734-478-2394

What skills do you need? The simple answer is none.

Art therapy requires no artistic ability. The Art Therapist offers guidance and support and the opportunity to explore issues of concern using a variety of art materials.

History
Art therapy evolved as a distinct profession in the 1940s. It was then that hospitals and some programs for troubled youth began to include art therapy programs along with traditional “talk therapies,” underscoring the recognition that art making enhanced recovery, health, and wellness. Since then, the profession of art therapy has grown into an effective and important method of treatment and assessment with children, adults, families, and groups in a variety of settings. At present, the field of art therapy is used in health care facilities throughout the United States and within psychiatry, medicine, psychology, counseling, education, and the arts.

Occupational description
Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process of artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.

Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups, and families to assess and treat the following: anxiety, depression; substance abuse and other addictions; family and relationship issues; abuse and domestic violence; social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness; trauma and loss; physical, cognitive, and neurological problems; and psychosocial difficulties related to medical illness.

Licensure, certification, and registration
The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) Inc, an independent organization, grants a credential, Art Therapist Registered (ATR), after reviewing documentation of completion of graduate education and supervised postgraduate experience. Registered art therapists who successfully complete a written examination administered by the ATCB are qualified as Board Certified (ATR-BC). Recertification is required every 5 years by documentation of continuing education credits (CECs).

To schedule an appointment: email or phone: 734-478-2394

Art Therapy might surprise you. Art Therapy can tell your story. Center for Creative Growth provides treatment for depression, anxiety and PTSD.

Susan Boyes, ATR-BC, LPC, is a Board Certified, Nationally Registered Art Therapist and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan. Susan helps people of all ages to navigate difficult changes. Susan also provides Art Therapy for people that have experienced Traumatic Brain Injury. Visit my Blog

Center for Creative Growth serves the communities in southeastern Michigan, including: Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Dexter, Grass Lake, Jackson, Saline, Tecumseh, Pinckney, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, Barton Hills Village, Belleville, Bingham Farms, Brighton, Canton, Commerce, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Hartland, Highland, Howell, Livonia, Milan, Milford, New Boston, Northville, Novi, Plymouth, Romulus, South Lyon, Sylvan Lake, Waltz, White Lake, Whitmore Lake, Wixom