Q. What is Art Therapy?

A. Art Therapy is a synthesis of Visual Art and Psychology. It is a long established mental health profession practiced by individuals with dual academic backgrounds in both disciplines, with graduate or post graduate degrees. Art Therapists provide studio space, art supplies and psychological expertise to facilitate individuals and groups to address psychological issues both verbally and visually for improved mental and emotional wellness.

Q. What if I have no art ability or experience at all?

A. No art ability is required or even desirable. Most individuals who benefit greatly from art therapy and have successful outcomes have not touched art materials since childhood or perhaps never. Engaging with simple yet good quality art supplies in the presence of a professional, credentialed, Art Therapist is an emotionally safe process designed, not to make great works of art, but to enable you a method of self expression deeper than words. It is an active, creative experience of doing inner work, that is therapeutic in itself and even more so, with the opportunity to process (talk about) the work and its meaning, in the context of your goals for being in treatment, that is the essence of Art Therapy.

Q. Is Art Therapy used with people of all ages?

A. Yes it is, at Lewis Art Therapy we specialize in adults and older adults.

Q. Why choose Art Therapy over a traditional talk therapy?

A. As they say, one picture is worth 10 thousand words. Art Therapy proceeds more quickly than talk therapies and is therefore more economical as well as efficient in bringing progress and resolution to the issues which motivate you to engage in therapy. More than sitting and talking endlessly, Art Therapy is actively engaging issues with many processes and techniques which keep therapy moving and interesting. The body of art work you produce is a tangible, material record of what has happened for you in therapy. Reviewing the work it is possible see the progress of your journey and how you are rapidly growing, developing, gaining insight and self understanding.

Q. Is Art Therapy an adjunctive health service.

A. No it is considered integrative, because Art Therapy often is experienced along with medical intervention under the supervision of a prescribing physician. For many individuals the most effective treatments are a combination of medicine and therapy. Although for persons without painful or disabling symptoms, Art Therapy is frequently used most effectively for self growth.

Q. How does Art Therapy proceed in your practice?

A. After the introductory consultation, we may choose to engage first in Basic Art Therapy which is a commitment on the part of the Art Therapist and patient for the completion of not less than six sessions. At session five there is a summary, assessment and decision together, to either successfully conclude or continue therapy for another determined period of time.

Q. What happens in a typical Art Therapy session?

A. The session will last 1 and 1/4 hour to allow time for art making and processing. It begins with a check in period to debrief therapist on immediate concerns or new developments in your situation. You are introduced to simple art materials and guided as much as you might require to make a visual self expression which will be accepted, honored and appreciated unconditionally. Then there is a time to talk, and finally an experience of closure to the session.

Q. Where is the Lewis Art Therapy Studio located?

A. The studio is in a beautiful 19th century Victorian mansion on Wellington Place, centrally located in Mt. Auburn near Christ Hospital, on the second floor. It is a very comfortable, safe environment, with secure off street parking and easy access to bus routes.

Q. How can I set up an introductory consultation to learn if Art Therapy is for me?

A. You can call anytime and leave a message for me, day or night. A receptionist is available to take your call 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday and Saturday morning. 513-381-6611. If you prefer, contact me by e-mail. Info@lewisarttherapy.com