Universal Art Forum, a site for artists, by artists, Creativity, Expression and Art-Therapy. Definition of the Profession Art-Therapy is raising a growing interest throughout the world ,where there are more and more centres for research and training. As a modality relatively recent amongst therapeutic treatment, it allows the exploration of personal situations through verbal and non verbal artistic activities. Art-therapy makes use of the artistic process as a therapeutic vehicle. It is based on the power of the creative act itself to reconcile conflicting forces evolving within us as well as in our relations with others.
Psychoanalysis can give a direction, with verbal interpretation.
Humanistic psychology and Gestalt perhaps are approaches attached to the immediate instant, human relations and spontaneous expression. Art therapists are able to provide a trusting and facilitating framework in which patients feel safe to express powerful emotions. They have a global understanding of the art process, are experienced areas of verbal and non verbal communication. Healing and art seem to have evolved deep in the human psyche in a parallel and complementary development. The profession of art therapy applies this unique aspect of human nature for the purpose of self-discovery and personal growth, and the treatment of people in various dilemmas.