"We have ART so that we shall not die of Reality." -Nietzsche-
The human brain controls every cell of the human body. This not only means that it commands sensation, movement and thought, but also a lifetime of dreams and memories. “Not only our pleasure, our joy, and our laughter but also our sorrow, pain, grief, and tears arise from the brain, and the brain alone,” stated Hippocrates (cited in Fincher, 1985, p. 9).
The left hemisphere of the brain is identified with language and speech, while the right hemisphere is identified with visual-motor activity. Integration of the two sides of the brain requires use of all senses (McNamee, 2004). As van der Kolk stated, “The body keeps the score of the emotional experience." The brain creates images that are externalized through the art making process in the form of metaphor. This once stored information is externalized, retrieving memories at which point the person is better able to cognitively make sense of and express these raw feelings,"putting a voice to it." (Malchiodi, 2003).
Art Therapy allows the person to explore their inner experience through the making of art. This allows them to take an active role with the focus being on the process, not the product. The role of the therapist is to help the client come up with their own interpretation of what the art means to them. One can deconstruct, reconstruct life stories and make personal meaning of life by the narrative and voice that creative art process brings. What we bring as therapists is our presence and guidance.
The Definition of Art Therapy from the AATA (American Art Therapy Association) website-"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 involved in 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."
