Art Therapy Reaches In To Help Patients Reach Out
For me, Starbucks will never be the same. In truth, I’ve only been to a Starbucks once, but it was worth it to meet Taoran Xie, ATR, one of the Therapeutic Arts Group’s (TAG) art therapists.
In our previous issue, we highlighted the Music Therapy aspect of TAG. Now, we will “draw” upon Taoran’s enthusiasm for reaching clients with the simple tools of the art world.
The typical perception of “therapy” conjures up pictures of patients lying on couches, pouring out their innermost feelings to somber psychotherapists, or physically-challenged patients enduring stretches and exercises to restore body functionality. While these can be true within their realms, “playing” with crayons and clay or strumming a guitar are seldom seen as serious therapy. This is a serious misconception that is slowly being countered by acceptance in the professional and political worlds, as state licensing laws are being enacted to support music therapy and art therapy.
Taoran Xie, ATR, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Penn State. After wondering what a degree in psychology could lead to, she developed an interest in art therapy, leading to a master’s degree in art therapy from Hofstra University and a fulfilling career at TAG.
TAG therapists collaborate with the client’s other therapists and professionals “to use music and art within a therapeutic relationship to help clients attain goals, cope with hardship, overcome physical and mental challenges, and improve their quality of life.”
While psychotherapy and art therapy require serious commitment, art therapy may render progress and results that other therapies do not.
What are the benefits of art therapy?
While a client may not verbally open up to others, art therapy provides a way of connecting beyond spoken language. It can be less intimidating and more comfortable than traditional psychotherapy sessions.
One of Taoran’s most exciting cases is that of “Sarah” (not her real name), who came to therapy clutching her dolly. Sarah would not talk to Taoran but seemed interested in drawing. It took months for Sarah to feel comfortable in therapy, but they worked through that together. Sarah would talk behind a mask and was fearful of making mistakes in her artwork. Now, she can talk to people and even initiates drawing on her own at home. Sarah still makes mistakes, but has learned to cope with frustration instead of being closed off.
“It’s all about seeing the possibilities in each client,” says Taoran. “They may not be able to control aspects of their life, but they can control what’s on their paper.”
The process of creating art is experienced together; the client and therapist find mutual benefit. The client may not feel safe or comfortable at first, but consistency and respectful treatment build confidence, encouraging the client to open up.
Art therapy is a gentle way to build motor skills, muscle memory, and to reawaken skills that have been lost due to memory or physical decline.
Art therapy can help build or rebuild connections with others while reorienting their self-identification. Sharing completed artwork with others says, “I am no longer PTSD—I’m an artist!”
How are clients treated at TAG?
Although they may be called “clients” or “patients,” everyone is treated with the utmost dignity with respect to their situation. First and foremost is concern for everyone’s safety. Based on their history as given by caretakers or health providers, TAG provides appropriate accommodations. Doors are secured when necessary; safety scissors are used; hot glue is replaced with safer alternatives—whatever could be a danger is mitigated.
TAG therapies are non-judgmental. There is no right or wrong product. Clients are expected to grow on their own without relying on the therapist to do it for them or letting them stay at the “easy” level. “Challenge is key,” says Taoran.
While elementary artwork may be seen as the domain of kiddies, TAG therapists respect the dignity of adults and do not treat them as children. They use adult-level materials to show that art is not “just for kids.”
No artistic skills are necessary to participate in art therapy. The therapist is highly trained but is not an art teacher. Art is a process; knowing how to use the tools is the key to success. The therapist doesn’t create artworks or interpret the client’s artwork, but can help them draw, paint, collage, sculpt, or otherwise use a variety of art materials and media to address personal goals.
TAG offers various creative arts therapies: music therapy, art therapy, and dance/movement therapy as well. A client can try art, music, movement, or any combination. They may discover or reawaken different sides of their inner self.
Artist Edward Hopper summed up artistic expression well: “If I could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint.” Art therapy loosens the tongue without using words.
TAG provides therapy services for individuals of all ages and abilities—cognitive and physical, as well as “typical” folks who want to improve their life!
Contact Therapeutic Arts Group at 610-740-9890 | [email protected] | or TherapeuticArtsGroup.com.
