Art therapy was initially used almost exclusively with psychologically handicapped people, but has now expanded to every section of society.
It involves the use of different art media through which clients can express and work through issues,problems and concerns that have brought them to therapy.
For many clients it is easier to use a non-verbal form of communication and, by relating to the art therapist, make sense of their own experience through the art object, which provides a focus for discussion and reflection.
Many people decide to study Transpersonal Art Therapy as a way of enriching their art and develop a greater sense of connection with their creative flow.
To quote Anton Chekhov, ” If you want to work on your art, work on your life.” In other words in order to have self expression, we must first have a self to express!

Apart from studying the healing power of art and its uses with troubled clients, I was required to go on a personal journey of self discovery. This has helped me remove any “blocks” I previously had, and I now have been able to let go of any inhibitions and relinquished control of the art work. I can now face the blank canvas without hesitation and get on with what I love doing most ….painting!

The images below relate to an assignment in Art Therapy that I did exploring the unification of the female & male, and the maiden, mother and crone in a woman’s journey…..The Mystic Marriage.