ART THERAPY

There are various types of counselling and therapy, which offer the opportunity for individuals to talk about emotional difficulties with a trained therapist in complete confidence and without judgement.

People often find it difficult to talk to friends and family about personal difficulties because they are worried about being judged or hurting the other person’s feelings. Friends and family will often try to make the person feel better by telling them that everything is ok, or that there are others who are worse off, but this doesn’t help to resolve the problem.

Counsellors and therapists recognise that each person has within them the ability to understand the nature of their problems, and the resources they need to make any necessary changes.

The therapist does not tell the person what to do, but offers a caring and safe environment in which the person can explore their thoughts and feelings. The person is given encouragement and help to find their own answers. Counselling and therapy can be helpful for anyone who needs to explore emotional problems such as anxiety, bereavement, or relationship difficulties.

However, some people may not know what the problem is, or may find it difficult to know where to start. This may be the case for adults who have experienced problems such as bereavement or childhood abuse, or for children who are unable to understand their problems or put them into words.

Art Therapy makes use of various art materials such as paint, clay and collage to facilitate the expression and exploration of emotional issues, in a safe and confidential environment. Through creating art and reflecting on the artwork with the support of a professional Art Therapist, people can work through emotional difficulties, which they may otherwise find difficult to understand or put into words.

The Art Therapist explores and reflects on the artwork and the process of creating it with the individual. However, the Art Therapist does not interpret the artwork, as only the person who created it knows what the artwork really means. This empowers the individual to disclose only what feels safe for them.

Art Therapy is suitable for individuals with conditions such as autism and A.D.H.D. to help them cope with day-to-day challenges, and is helpful for adults and children of any age who may find it difficult to express their thoughts and feelings verbally.

Lorraine Shanahan, Art Therapist at the Lismore Clinic says that: “Art therapy is not about learning art skills or producing great works of art, and no artistic ability is required in order to benefit from the therapy”.

For more information or to make an appointment, please contact Lorraine at the Lismore Clinic on 087 773 0089, or visit www.thelismoreclinic.ie.

Lorraine holds a master’s degree in Art Therapy and is a member of the Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists (IACAT). She has a great deal of experience of working with both adults and children. If you would like any further information about art therapy or would like to arrange a consultation, please telephone Lorraine at the Lismore Clinic on 087-7730089 or visit www.thelismoreclinic.ie.