Transpersonal Art Therapy is a creative approach to wellness that supports emotional awareness through non-verbal expression. Art and creativity are our direct line into the unconscious. Accessing the unconscious provides a well of resources for healing and profound transformation. Humans often interpret the world through metaphor and symbol, creating meaning from both. Art therapy uses our mind’s ability to do so, calling an abundance of meaning-making material into the conscious, therapeutic space. At the same time, art therapy's power resides in it being a whole brain activity. Whole brain activation allows individuals to unconsciously process emotions and experiences gently. 

I find Art Therapies to complement the Gestalt approach, encompassing the experimental pillar of Gestalt. Like Gestalt, clients use dialogue and relational aspects to communicate with and unfold their creations. Art therapy is an intensely personal process but one that also lends itself to a participatory group experience. Art Therapy is often held in association with the care and support of children. This can underestimate the benefits of Art Therapy for individuals of all ages, not to mention its timelessness as a mode of emotional expression.

An Art Therapy session typically involves a series of deeply personally devised creative exercises accompanied by some discussion or reflection. My preferred techniques include collage, clay-work, painting, sculpture and drawing. Other techniques that can be incorporated include journal writing, psychodrama (role-playing), relaxation or mindfulness meditation. These techniques also serve as valuable tools in discussing dreams, developing rituals, or complementing more traditional psychotherapy methods.