Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy offered by professional art-based clinicians. The practice of art therapy is an approach that has emerged and gained traction within the domain of mental health over the past five decades
Expressing yourself through visual arts, such as painting, collaging, drawing, or working with modeling clay, which are considered the primary domain of art therapy, teaches you to become your own supportive guide. This involves paying attention to both your aesthetic expression and your body
Your body sense, also known as Felt Sense, is a natural inner resource. It is your innate guide for self-expression. It communicates through inner bodily sensations, shifts in your breathing, and changes in the visible design of your artwork
Felt Sense-based studio art is at the heart of the EXAF-based art therapy we offer. Since the Felt Sense is the doorway to intermodal expression, your artwork may shift from visual art to creative writing, movement, dance, or creating sounds in a single session or over the course of several sessions
Therefore, combining art therapy with the EXAF principles and practices does not limit you to visual arts, but rather allows for the full spectrum of creative expression
EXAF-based art therapy is a trauma-informed approach that provides a safe space in which you can address personal issues beyond words and without telling your story. As you start expressing yourself visually, you are fully in control how involved you get and how much you reveal
Each session begins differently. You can start with a conversation, focus on your breathing, meditate, or express yourself spontaneously by exploring materials and experimenting with them
Grounding and drawing exercises, such as Dynamic Shape Drawing and Guided Drawing®, can help you get started and deepen your experience. They help building confidence and promote your spontaneous creative expression
