by Carrie
My approach to therapy is one that I describe as being individualized, eclectic and creative. This means that I like to take elements from different therapeutic approaches and weave them together in order to find which combination has the best outcomes for each client. How do I do this? It is difficult to describe, as each session moves like a dance through my mind in which I strive to take in my client's emotional experience and play with ideas of interventions and creative solutions.
I can offer an example of one way that I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Art Therapy. I find that CBT is useful for challenging and changing negative thought and behavior patterns in order to improve the way that we feel. I also find that CBT lacks the "heart and soul" or inner intuition that Art Therapy can bring into the room. Therefore, pairing the two is in a way the combination of mind and body, logic and emotion, thought analysis and innate wisdom.
I would first like to introduce the idea of Cognitive Distortions. Cognitive Distortions are illogical inaccurate thoughts that our minds use to play tricks on us and convince us of things that are not based in truth. These distortions usually reinforce negative thoughts, emotions and self-perceptions. To read more about cognitive distortions and the 15 common types please click on the link below to read the article.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/15-common-cognitive-distortions/
Now let's imagine that you are struggling with some cognitive distortions. We can talk about them, name them, challenge them, practice replacing them with more logical positive thoughts. These are all researched methods of CBT with proven positive outcomes. I use these methods but I like to take it one step further with Art Therapy. In which case, I would likely ask you draw these cognitive distortions. Picture what they look like in your mind. What colors are they, what size, what shape, where are they located in your mind? Can you also draw how they affect your emotions, your physical body, your relationships? These questions are just the starting point because art therapy is a process and it takes each individual on a unique journey. I , as the art therapist, am the travel guide giving you the map and the tools to take the story one step further in order to find some insight, self-discovery, expression or solution to a problem.
My approach to therapy is one that I describe as being individualized, eclectic and creative. This means that I like to take elements from different therapeutic approaches and weave them together in order to find which combination has the best outcomes for each client. How do I do this? It is difficult to describe, as each session moves like a dance through my mind in which I strive to take in my client's emotional experience and play with ideas of interventions and creative solutions.
I can offer an example of one way that I combine Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Art Therapy. I find that CBT is useful for challenging and changing negative thought and behavior patterns in order to improve the way that we feel. I also find that CBT lacks the "heart and soul" or inner intuition that Art Therapy can bring into the room. Therefore, pairing the two is in a way the combination of mind and body, logic and emotion, thought analysis and innate wisdom.
I would first like to introduce the idea of Cognitive Distortions. Cognitive Distortions are illogical inaccurate thoughts that our minds use to play tricks on us and convince us of things that are not based in truth. These distortions usually reinforce negative thoughts, emotions and self-perceptions. To read more about cognitive distortions and the 15 common types please click on the link below to read the article.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/15-common-cognitive-distortions/
Now let's imagine that you are struggling with some cognitive distortions. We can talk about them, name them, challenge them, practice replacing them with more logical positive thoughts. These are all researched methods of CBT with proven positive outcomes. I use these methods but I like to take it one step further with Art Therapy. In which case, I would likely ask you draw these cognitive distortions. Picture what they look like in your mind. What colors are they, what size, what shape, where are they located in your mind? Can you also draw how they affect your emotions, your physical body, your relationships? These questions are just the starting point because art therapy is a process and it takes each individual on a unique journey. I , as the art therapist, am the travel guide giving you the map and the tools to take the story one step further in order to find some insight, self-discovery, expression or solution to a problem.
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