Creative arts therapy is …
a method that unites the joy of creativity (painting, sculpting, drawing, singing, moving our bodies) with the possibility to learn more about oneself. It engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation, supporting you to express and articulate complex thoughts and feelings through art-making. All art activities are by invitation rather than dictation, giving people an increased feeling of agency.
Isabella practice's from a human-centered, collaborative, and inclusive therapeutic lens. She believes in the therapeutic value of the creative arts for accessing deeper parts of one's experiences. Isabella acknowledges that words can sometimes be hard to express, so she will honor privileging the creative arts process as a way to explore emotional and mental challenges. This creative process might look like, drawing, painting, sculpting, playing, dancing and so much more.
At the end of each session, Isabella will offer a space of reflection where the individual is welcome to discuss any themes from the creative arts therapy process, which is entirely led by them. This discussion can be helpful when trying to make sense of our art-making process and artwork, as it can assist in gaining further clarity to what is being experienced.
Isabella admires that the process of Creative Arts Therapy focuses on the individual needs and the strengths of each person, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. She places an incredible amount of sensitivity around supporting participants to explore their own experiences; the good, unpleasant, and everything in between.
Why Creative Arts Therapy?
Our lived experiences cannot always be expressed with words alone. Often, words are insufficient to encompass the enormity of our experiences. The Creative Arts Therapy process engages our whole selves to move beyond cognitive understandings. Making art invites our mind, body, and spirit to work together, supporting individuals in processing and making sense of complex emotions and traumatic experiences.
The act of creating can facilitate emotional release and help individuals gain insight into their feelings. This holistic approach fosters deeper self-awareness and understanding. Art therapy empowers individuals by providing them with a sense of accomplishment and control, building self-esteem as they create and reflect on their work, recognising their own creative abilities and personal growth.
Art therapy emphasises the creative process rather than the final product. While completing an artwork is part of this process, the focus is on the journey of creation. Once an artwork is finished, it can serve as a tool for reflection and insight. Isabella uses descriptive language during sessions with participants, aligning with a holistic and human-centered therapeutic framework rather than interpreting their experiences or artwork.
