What Might a Session Look Like?

Let’s say you’re struggling with a sense of loss but find it hard to talk about your feelings. In an integrative art therapy session, we might begin by exploring these emotions visually. For instance, I might invite you to create an image that represents your loss or how you feel in the moment. This could be abstract—a blend of colors and shapes—or something more representational, like an image of a broken bridge or an empty space.

Once the artwork is complete, we’d reflect on it together. I might ask open-ended questions like, “What stands out to you about this image?” or “How does this represent what you’re feeling right now?” Through this process, we’d uncover deeper emotions, memories, or thoughts that might not surface through talking alone.

To integrate this creative work with other therapeutic methods, we might:

• Use talk therapy to connect your reflections on the artwork with what’s happening in your life.

• Explore mindfulness techniques to ground you if intense emotions arise during the process.

• Incorporate CBT to identify and challenge any negative thought patterns revealed during the session.

• Focus on solution-focused strategies to help you find practical ways to cope with your loss and move forward.

Why Combine Art Therapy with Integrative Therapy?

By weaving art therapy into an integrative approach, we can address your concerns from multiple angles. Art allows you to access deeper, often unconscious parts of yourself, while other therapeutic tools provide structure and strategies to process what emerges. This combination ensures that the therapy is as dynamic and unique as you are, creating a pathway for healing that feels authentic and meaningful.