What Does an Expressive Arts Therapy Session Look Like?
You’re looking for healing and wondering what kind of therapy you need.
You’ve found expressive arts therapy — and no prior art experience is needed.
The good news is that healing comes in many forms. Creativity is a valuable tool for long-term emotional and mental well-being.
This guide takes a peek inside what an expressive arts therapy session looks like. And better news — you don’t have to have any prior experience with the arts.
What is Expressive Arts Therapy?
Expressive arts therapy offers clients multiple ways to express themselves — even if verbal or traditional approaches feel challenging.
The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) defines expressive arts therapy as using a combination of ...
Visual arts
Movement
Drama
Music
Writing; and
Other creative endeavors
… to develop deep personal growth and development.
Expressive arts therapy is often confused with art therapy, which focuses on the singular modality of art — much like music therapy focuses on the singular modality of music.
What Makes a Expressive Arts Therapy Session Unique?
What makes expressive arts therapy unique is that it weaves together multiple modalities into a single therapy session.
In expressive arts therapy, you will use your imagination and the arts to:
Heal
Transform; and
Explore
Engaging with multiple arts modalities can be especially effective for those who find talk therapy alone insufficient, or who want to supplement their current therapy approach.
If you’re ready to learn more about expressive arts therapy in Portland, I’d love to meet with you in a free expressive arts consultation. Click the link below to contact me today. You’ll be one step further toward healing.
5 FAQs About What an Expressive Arts Therapy Session Looks Like
Expressive arts therapy sessions may look different depending on the therapist and the client.
While every expressive arts therapist works with their client through a string of different creative processes, every session is unique — including taking into consideration cultural practices and beliefs.
Below, I answer six of the most commonly asked questions as you prepare for your first expressive arts therapy session.
#1: Do I Have to Be Artistic to Benefit From Expressive Arts Therapy?
No, you don’t have to have any experience in ...
Painting
Dancing
Music
Singing
Sculpting
Writing; or
… any other creative modality you can think of.
Reclaiming creativity or exploring new forms of expression—at your own pace—is often an effective and healing turning point.
The focus of expressive arts therapy is the process — not the result.
Those who are the most open to experiencing something new and different can often see the greatest benefits.
#2: Is There Talking During an Expressive Arts Therapy Session?
Yes, there is. But it’s different from traditional talk therapy.
Instead of focusing on cognition, as expressive arts therapists, we attune to your personal process and intuition.
I will guide you through participation in different creative processes.
Certain conditions such as ...
Anxiety; or
Trauma recovery
… might make it difficult to express your feelings with words. The different modalities used in expressive arts therapy could be the outlet that you desperately need for healing to take place.
Many expressive arts therapists may also react to the client’s creative expression.
For example ...
I might see a client’s sketch of a sunflower and respond, “I feel happy when I see your sunflower.” Or another client may play three loud, staccato notes on a trumpet. I may share the confidence that I hear in the notes, but also add that it was a little intimidating for me. These types of messages can help clients gain perspective on their stories by allowing them to view them through a different lens.
This reaction (and not usually interpretation) can help you understand how others respond to what you are putting out into the world.
Words are used, but they are often secondary to the creative process.
#3: How Does an Expressive Arts Therapy Session Begin?
Remember that no two expressive arts therapy sessions are alike, and not all expressive arts therapists begin the same way:
Some therapists may have a particular modality that they use to begin each session.
One therapist may always begin by having the client start with a sound or gesture that expresses their current state.
Another may always begin by having the client choose a word that resonates with them from a list and create an image in response to that word.
Some therapists may always begin the session based on what they notice about the client when they enter the room.
A client who seems physically tense may be invited to engage in movement.
A client who seems stressed may be invited to begin with creating music with a drum or by listening to soft music, depending on the client’s needs.
The beauty of an expressive arts session is that it can start wherever feels right — with any modality.
This is what I love about my expressive arts sessions. My sessions are eclectic and personal for your unique therapy needs and goals.
Ready to experience the difference and begin your creative journey toward healing? Contact me today to get started with a free consultation.
#4: What Will You Do During Your Expressive Arts Therapy Session?
During your expressive arts therapy session, you are guided from the starting point through multiple modes of creativity throughout the session. I will guide you through different modalities based on your response to the previous modality used.
You may experience different techniques such as:
Finger painting
Sculpting
Dancing
Journal writing
Silence
Mandala creating
Songwriting
Improvisation
Role-playing
Mask making
Photography
This approach to therapy creates unique experiences that can allow you to better understand your emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Pacing and modality choice can accommodate sensory or processing differences.
#5: How Will Your Expressive Arts Therapy Session End?
While each session is unique, I typically end sessions by touching back on some of the points that were uncovered during the session, while at the same time building a bridge to the next session, by either:
Encouraging you to try a new process at some point during the next week
Or
Having you reflect on an “ah-ha” moment that may have brought up questions you may want to consider during the coming week
Express Your Path: Expressive Arts Therapy in Portland, OR
If you’re ready to transform your negative inner monologue and start living a full and authentic life through expressive arts therapy in Portland, Express Your Path is here for you.
I’m Lisa Headings, a Registered Associate Therapist and Expressive Arts Facilitator.
I’m passionate about helping adults discover their creativity as we work together toward healing, overcoming obstacles, or moving toward personal growth.
Schedule your free consultation with me today and see the difference working with an expressive arts therapist can make in your life.
