Art Therapy

 

Creative Expression through Materials.

Kristel utilizes a combination of different evidence-based art therapy approaches and interventions in the creative counseling process.

BCAT Art As Therapy

Art as/In Therapy

In her work, Kristel pulls from both of the major tenets within art therapy, believing in the healing power of art as the therapy while also finding value in the art in therapy. Simplifying these concepts, Kristel believes in the healing power of the creative process and physically engaging with art materials while also analyzing the artwork in a therapeutic setting to uncover meaning and provide additional insight.

BCAT Phototherapy Nonna

PhotoTherapy techniques

Still images convey so much as a form of emotional communication, and this idea extends readily to casual photographs taken of others or ourselves, self-portraits, family photos, and even the images we see in magazines and other media. The stories we tell of ourselves are reflected in these images.

Drawing from the PhotoTherapy modality, Kristel uses strategies that engage storytelling through uncovering, and at times, rewriting the narrative of our story.

BCAT DBT Art

Art-based DBT strategies

Using art-based Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques, appropriate clients are oftentimes more capable of tolerating stressful situations through the use of mindfulness skills, improved interpersonal competence, and increased emotional regulation.

Through specific art directives, Kristel and the client will explore thoughts, behaviors, and emotions given form through the art.

It’s not about creating a Masterpiece

It is about finding a healthy, creative way for you to express and process an experience/s and emotions. Sometimes, this looks like a bunch of scribble marks on paper as you regulate your breathing; other times it may be a month long polished art piece honoring the life of a lost loved one.

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Incorporating the art into session: What does that look like?

We can discuss and tailor ways to bring creative elements into session. Each client’s journey is different. Some of the ways past clients have used art:

  • Art as a check-in for how you are feeling that day. Making marks on paper to visually depict emotions.

  • Art as a “homework” assignment, such as tie-dying a white sweatshirt which results in a tangible object to wear to help cope with grief and loss.

  • Art as an in-session activity to create a self-care drawing, visually illustrating how you might care for yourself when experiencing a stressful day.