Art Therapy vs Art Lessons
It's uncommon for me to go a week without explaining what I do.
Be it to an old friend or relative; Arts Therapy is an emerging profession that remains lost on people, even with the growing recognition and development of the sector.
A common art therapy myth I come across is:
So, you look at my painting and tell me what I'm thinking?
Unfortunately, Arts Therapist aren’t mind readers. The focus is on the personal meaning you find within your own creative work, rather than an arbitrary meaning imposed by the therapist.
Creative Art Therapy and Art Lessons can look similar from the outside, but it is in the intention that makes them stand out.
Art Therapy
No skill required
Focuses on the process
Supported by a trained Arts Therapist
Intentionally chooses materials to prompt emotional healing
Art Lessons
Learning of skills and techniques
Create for a particular outcome
Helped by a teacher or instructor
Art Therapy
With Art Therapy you’re working with a health care professional who wants to help encourage your emotional, creative, and spiritual growth.
Art Lessons
The role in the teacher is to instruct the art making process. This may lead to personal discussions however, the teacher is not trained in the same areas as an Arts Therapist.
Art Therapy
Artwork will generally be viewed as either a reflection or extension of a part of the client.
Art Lessons
With art making the goal is to create something that is interesting, beautiful, or visually appealing.
The next time you, or someone you know, ponders the question ‘What’s the difference between Art Lessons and Art Therapy’, remember this.
Art Therapy is about acknowledging and understanding your own emotions and how you process them through the use of art. In contrast, Art Lessons are all about the craft, learning techniques and being taught how to create.
If you have any further questions or comments please feel free to get in touch.
References
Worden, M. (2020, June 17). The Difference Between Art Therapy and Therapeutic Art-Making. Art from the Streets. https://artfromthestreets.org/blogs/news/art-therapy-near-me.