Forms of Therapy
Struggling to find words that heal?
Don’t you mean “art therapy?”
Well, no. It’s partially a legal distinction. In the state of Texas, a person can’t call themselves an “art therapist” unless they are a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). Moreover, each art modality – visual arts therapy, dance/movement therapy, music therapy, drama therapy, writing therapy – has its own training requirements and techniques. Expressive arts therapy uses multiple various forms of art and creative processes together to support health and access and express emotions.
Expressive arts can be calming. It can be exciting. It challenges perfectionism. It can reconnect us with our bodies. It can connect us with other people. It can put form to feelings when it’s hard to do so verbally. It lets the imaginative, playful, childish parts of ourselves out. It lets the ugly, messy, cringy parts of ourselves out. Sometimes it’s just to give your hands something to do during a regular talk therapy session
Some expressive arts therapies:
- drawing and painting
- sculpting and collage
- body movement/dance
- writing
- role-play
Written by Tami Dinh
LPC Associate
supervised by Heather Murphy, LPC-S
I work to create a space where clients can develop insight and awareness in order to grow and heal, including incorporating mindfulness practice and breathwork into my practice. I work with adolescents and adults, with a particular interest in working with LGBTQ and Asian populations and other historically marginalized identities.