Art in Mind Therapy and Journals
NEW! We are now offering group classes for Art as Therapy at Aliki's Art House studio. This is a process oriented class which means it has nothing to do with creating a piece of art work. Using a variety of exercises, you will be introduced to how the actual process of making art can be therapeutic. Bring a friend, sibling, relative...anyone you may want to share a truly bonding experience with. Ages 18 and older. See below for more information.
Day: Thursdays
Date: April 5 - May 31, 2012
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $25. registration fee and $25. material fee = $50.
$125 per month. (Fee includes GST. Note: all materials needed are provided for in class use; you do not need to purchase supplies).
Day: Fridays
Date: April 6 - May 25, 2012
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $25. registration fee and $25. material fee = $50.
$125 per month. (Fee includes GST. Note: all materials needed are provided for in class use; you do not need to purchase supplies).
Art in Mind
An art based approach to health and wellness, goal setting and creative development.
What is Art in Mind?
After over two decades of witnessing the therapeutic effect of creating art, Aliki is now offering one-on-one sessions and using art as therapy in a counseling setting.
What is the first session like?
During the first session, we will do an intake where you will fill out an information form and circle any areas you would like help in, very similar to the list below. This usually takes about 15 minutes. From there you will be offered a wide variety of art supplies to choose from and you will be asked to simply use the materials without creating any sort of picture. Remember, this is not an art class. Next, you will be asked to do some writing and from there we will discuss findings.
What have others said about the process?
"I really liked the music, the supplies being so handy to grab, the fact that you let me do whatever I wanted--no pressure. I really liked the fact that we could talk or not as we worked. Your interaction afterwards, affirmed me."
"I loved the warmth of the studio."
"After the session I again felt that it is not easy to change. Working on ourselves takes persistence and consideration. Doing it with art I felt that there was a gentle approach. Also, I felt safe with you!"
“When I began layering the materials on the paper, I felt unsure of what it was to look like; then, I just let go and allowed it to simply be pleasing to my eye. If I did something that I did not like I simply found a way to change it or cover it. Eventually it was extremely freeing.
Afterward we discussed the finished product and it amazingly seemed to depict what was going on in my head. The writing was, likely, my favourite part. I felt I could simply not write as fast as my mind was thinking (what a fantastic experience). It could be called therapeutic writing as it was not like any journal writing I have ever done. Once I closed my little journal we did not look at it again; though, I went back to it later that evening and was amazed to find I could hardly recall what I had written.
I am very excited about my next session!”
Do I need to be artistic in order to come to a session?
No. Art experience is irrelevant to this process. The art is simply the vehicle that will aid you in your self- discovery.
What is Art as Therapy?
There is an inherent healing power in the creative process of art making. This view embraces the idea that the process of making art is therapeutic. Art making is seen as an opportunity to express one’s self imaginatively, authentically and spontaneously. Over time, this can lead to personal fulfillment, emotional wellness and recovery.
Art as Therapy is also a means of symbolic communication. Whether the client uses paint or clay, art expression is helpful in communicating issues, emotions and conflicts. This begins the verbal dialogue between the client and counselor and helps achieve insight, resolve conflicts, and solve problems. These new perceptions in turn lead to positive changes, growth and healing.
How is Art as Therapy different from an Art Class?
The process of using art in a therapeutic setting is different because it takes you out of your conscious thinking brain and brings you to your unconscious brain which not only helps to solve challenges but can also simply put you in touch with what you are thinking or feeling. Most clients feel that something is resolved in the very first session whether they can verbalize it or not. On the other hand art classes focus on skills, techniques and the end product looking a certain way.
What areas could I choose to work on?
(Please note that #1 and #2 are more process oriented as shown in the photos below. #3 is both process and end product oriented.)
1. Health and Wellness
Using a variety of art and written exercises, you will experience for yourself the life-changing effects of art. Look at the following list and see whether these are some of your challenges that you might like to explore:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Other mental health challenges
- Physical disease
- Physical ailments or disorders
- Self-esteem/confidence
- Spirituality/Faith/Religion
- Insomnia
- Anger
- Perfectionism
- Grief/loss
- Relationship challenges
- Abuse
- Addictions
2. Goal Setting
Studies show that creating your goal via art helps to embed the goal on a physiological level to help you reach the goal faster and in a more natural way. Are you transitioning in life? Need change? Or has change come upon you unexpectedly? Perhaps you need to clarify what you would like to do next. All of this can be accomplished using exercises to help guide your journey.
- What do I want to be / do when I grow up?
- Career changes
- Weight loss
- Parenting skills
- Home/career building
- Mid-life transition or career change
- Stress management
- Time management
- Money management
3. Creative Development
If you would like to unleash your creativity, one way is to learn how to see the world through the eyes of an artist. You will be walked through a series of exercises that teach you the skill of drawing and how it pertains to your current life situation. Areas of interest are listed below:
- I would like to learn how to draw
- I would like to learn how to be more creative in my daily life
- I feel I am a ‘dyslexic artist’...I feel creative but I don’t know how to express it
- I am totally intimidated by anything art related, especially drawing
Session Information:
All sessions are strictly confidential.
Please arrive at your first session 15 minutes prior to your scheduled time.
Cost: $85/hour for first session
Second session is complimentary.
All other sessions: $85/hour
NOTE: Most insurance carriers will reimburse you for your sessions, depending on your plan. Check with your insurance provider.
To book an appointment contact:
Alice (Aliki) Rathgeber, B.Ed., Art as Therapy Counsellor
info@AlikisArtHouse.com
403 667 7020
Gem Journals
Create a Gem Journal
Gem journals are fun and easy to create. Beginners experience immediate success. No prior art background is necessary.
Gem journals are a creative way to create a legacy. After all, if your life is worth living, isn’t it worth recording?
For your individual lesson, please contact us. Your lesson is arranged with your schedule in mind.
Cost: $85/hour for first session (includes most materials needed)
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