High Focus Centers’ Post

Art therapy is not glorified art and craft making. It is a person-centre mental health profession integrating art making, creative processes, psychological theories and counselling to improve the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Art therapy draws from theoretical foundations across numerous disciplines. For example, psychology, neuroscience, attachment theory, child developmental theories, art material properties, couselling and more. Art therapy practices are supported by evidenced-based research. In Australia, an art therapist must have a master-level degree in art therapy (or equivalent creative therapy degrees), which includes 750 hours of clinical placement. The art therapy profession is governed by professional bodies such as ANZACATA, ACA and PACFA. #wellbeing #arttherapy #mentalhealth

Discover the Power of Art Therapy for Children! 💡🎨 Are you looking for a transformative way to navigate through life's challenges? Art therapy might just be the colorful solution you need! 🌈✨ As a therapeutic practice, art therapy is not just about creating pretty picture! Whether pupils are going through tough times at home, struggling at school, or something else is worrying them, art therapy is here to support your emotional, social, and mental wellness.🎨 https://lnkd.in/eA8VvnAq

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH 2024: Contrary to popular belief, art therapy is an ancient practice that has existed in different cultures across the world, in form or another, for millennia. Today, we might be approaching a very promising era for this important practice, as research underscores art therapy's benefits for not just mental but even physical health, emphasizing the importance of creative treatment approaches within healthcare systems. An interesting excerpt from the article: “Our research looked at more than six years of data from a child and adolescent mental health hospital ward in Australia. We sought to determine whether there was a reduction in restrictive practices during the periods when art therapy was offered on the unit, compared to times when it was absent. We found a clear association between the provision of art therapy and reduced frequency of seclusion, physical restraint and injection of sedatives on the unit. “... art therapy may have lessened levels of severe distress among patients, thereby reducing the risk they would harm themselves or others, and the likelihood of staff using restrictive practices to prevent this.” Read the full article here:  https://lnkd.in/gpBQAC3a #thecreativehigh #sobriety #artmentalhealth #sanfranciscobay #artist #art #supportartists  #recovery #documentary #publiclibrary #sanfrancisco  #sanfranciscofilm #sffilm #bayarea #bayareafilm #creativity #arttherapy #arttherapyheals #arttherapyjourney

In my latest article, I delve into "Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Healthy Relationships", where I explore how truly understanding and managing our emotions—along with cultivating empathy and connection—can radically transform how we relate to others. With years of experience, I’ve seen how the nuances of emotional intelligence shape the quality of intimacy, trust, and communication in relationships. Whether you're navigating challenges, seeking deeper connection, or aiming to communicate more effectively, emotional awareness is at the heart of healthy partnerships. In this article, I offer practical tools, rooted in psychology and psychotherapy, to help individuals and couples/relationships deepen their emotional connection and navigate the complexities of love and intimacy. For those looking to explore love, intimacy, and sexuality on a deeper level, I offer therapy for individuals, couples, and relationships, providing a safe and supportive space to unlock the full potential of your emotional and relational life.

Attachment theory, developed by British psychologist John Bowlby in the 1950s, explores the profound impact of early relationships on human development and interpersonal connections. According to this theory, the quality of our early attachments to caregivers shapes our beliefs, behaviors, and expectations in future relationships. Understanding the types of attachment and their effects can provide valuable insights into our emotional lives and help foster healthier relationships. The Four Types of Attachment Effects of Attachment Styles on Relationships and Lives Conclusion Understanding attachment theory provides valuable insights into the dynamics of human relationships and emotional well-being. By recognizing our attachment styles... Continue reading → https://lnkd.in/eFNYmvj8 #mentalhealth #therapy  #cbt

More on Expressive Arts Therapy! ⬇️ Imagine a painting, a dance, a song, or poem that expresses feelings, stories, and even…trauma. Through creative expression, Expressive Arts Therapy (EAT) is used in tandem with traditional talk therapy. The best part is, EAT does not require us to be skilled artists! "Expressing our painful stories through creativity makes way for the voice that is aching to be known, integrating our pain into hope." - PACMH Therapists Interested in learning more on Expressive Arts Therapy? Find the link below to read the full article! #expressivearttherapy #arttherapy #therapy #help #counseling #psychology #Washington https://lnkd.in/eGE2VBzH

At Budding Resilience Therapies, our social workers harness the power of art therapy to unlock emotional expression and healing. Creative outlets often allow clients to explore and process their feelings uniquely and profoundly. 🌟🎨 . . . #arttherapy #creativehealing #expressthroughart #emotionalwellbeing #therapeuticart #mentalhealth #innovativetherapies #buddingresiliencetherapies

Did you know that art therapy is a wonderful way to help children develop their creativity and self-expression, while also improving their mental health and emotional well-being? Here are five benefits of art therapy: 1. Emotional expression: For many children, expressing their emotions can be difficult. Art therapy provides a safe space for children to express themselves in a non-verbal way. Through art-making, children can express feelings they may not be able to put into words, helping them to feel heard and understood. 2. Self-esteem: Creating art can be a powerful way for children to build their self-esteem. As children create, they begin to see their own unique abilities and strengths, which can help to boost their confidence. 3. Stress relief: Art therapy can be a great way for children to relieve stress. Engaging in art-making can be a calming and meditative experience, helping children to relax and unwind. 4. Problem-solving skills: Art-making requires children to think creatively and come up with unique solutions to problems. This can help to foster problem-solving skills that can be useful in other areas of their lives. 5. Socialisation: Art therapy can be a great way for children to socialise with others in a safe and supportive environment. Group art therapy sessions can help children to connect with others and build social skills. To learn more about the benefits of art therapy for your child, visit https://lnkd.in/ekTXPBeD #arttherapy #mentalhealth #wellbeing #mindfulness #supportforyourchild #mindfullness

'Art can permeate the very deepest part of us, where no words exist.’ Eileen Miller Have you ever felt like words fail you? For children with Anxiety or Selective Mutism, this is a daily reality. While it may seem like they're just shy or choosing not to speak, these conditions can mean that they are unable to speak in certain social situations, like school or public places, even if they can speak normally in other settings. Art therapy is a type of therapy that uses creative expression to help individuals cope with emotional and psychological issues. For children with Selective Mutism Disorder or Anxiety, art therapy can be an effective way to build confidence and improve communication skills. One of the benefits of art therapy is that it allows children to express themselves in a nonverbal way. By creating art, children can communicate their thoughts and feelings without having to use words. Let's remember to be patient, kind, and understanding with those who struggle to communicate. There are ways to support and help these children to overcome this obstacle and find their voice. Visit my website to find out more - link in bio #MentalHealthAwareness #Anxiety #BePatient #BeKind #FindYourVoice

"Aren't people with schizophrenia crazy?" "They were nuts, they were going through psychosis." "The voices aren't real." It's really jarring and painful for me to hear comments like this, sometimes in the media and sometimes from clinicians. Because it is fuelled by fear and stigma, and it isn't helping anyone minimize their distress or increase a sense of meaningful and purposeful living. So, let's throw comments like that in the bin. 🗑️ There are many incredible ways to work alongside voice hearers, support and empower them in their experiences, and support them on their road to recovery (whatever recovery looks like for them). One key approach is the Hearing Voices Approach! This approach is the bread and butter of the Voices Vic program I lead. We provide dynamic support groups as well as training based on the Hearing Voices Approach. I've written a lil' blog that summarises the Hearing Voices Approach, and am always keen and open to chat more with anyone who's eager to learn about the approach or wants to know more about Voices Vic. You can always message me with any thoughts or questions 😊 . https://lnkd.in/gq4mUA-5