Art Therapy:

Art Therapy is defined as a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the Art Therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem ( American Art Therapy Association). 

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I have used Art Therapy in inpatient treatment, and have found it helpful for assessment and insight. The process of doing art can also help facilitating change at a greater level than talk alone can. Art has a tendency to lead to a root problem that can then be targeted through other interventions like Somatic Experiencing or EMDR (see below).  When using Art Therapy, I prefer a titrated approach, and incorporate Somatic Experiencing into the process as Image is one important part of our felt sense, but we ultimately need to connect Sensation, Image, Behavior, Affect, and Meaning. Incorporating SE with Art is another unique process that requires a skilled SEP.

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The middle image above shows desperation, toxicity, and depression. Several weeks later, a counter-vortex emerged through the interaction and connection with the horses. The two horses were also symbolic of repairing a relationship. 

 

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Sandtray and Sandplay Therapy:

According to Dora M. Kalff, "The client is given the possibility, by means of figures and the arrangement of the sand in the area bounded by the sandbox, to set up a world corresponding to his or her inner state." GoodTherapy.org explains, "The scene created acts as a reflection of the person’s own life and allows him or her the opportunity to resolve conflicts, remove obstacles, and gain acceptance of self."

As in Play Therapy where toys are used to conduct therapys, Sand Play/Tray Therapy involves sand figures and various types of sand (beach, coarse, wet, dry, light, or dark sand). In the picture above, the adult client processed through alcoholism in the family and a highly traumatic time. Sand is great for sensory integration and lends itself to covering, uncovering, externalizing, and gaining a sense of control over a situation that was out of control. Sand Trays can be built individually or by the entire family and be used to change individual behaviors or family interaction. Sand is similar to Art but adds more dimension. As with Art, Sandtrays can be used through an SE lense, in that I facilitate a movement towards the resource. We titrate between trauma vortex and counter-vortex, so small increments of trauma energy can be easier metabolized and discharged.