Why do people make art? Does an artist create a painting simply to provide an aesthetically pleasing picture? Or is there an underlying meaning that the artist is trying to convey? Throughout history, civilizations have used images to communicate. Communication through art can be achieved in a variety of ways, some are more obvious than others. What do Van Gogh’s brushstrokes in Starry Night express? Why does Monet’s water lilies elicit a sense of calm in the viewer? What is

In our modern world, technology, social media, and screen time is being used more than ever. Every corner we turn there are toddlers on the iPad watching YouTube, parents on their smart phones catching up with the world news, and teens snapping selfies on snapchat. There is no doubt that social media effects humans from birth to adulthood; however, this post will focus specifically on how screen time effects younger children. Between birth and age 3, the brain is in the criti

You may often be faced with navigating and understanding all the various theoretical approaches to therapy, cognitive behavioral, existential, music therapy, solution focused and so on. This can truly be an overwhelming process to understand what is right for your child, teen or even yourself. In this post, we will navigate the Person-Centered Approach within the Art Therapy method and help define what it is and how it can be useful. The primary goal of this approach is to

Our internal thoughts and feelings may be difficult to verbalize; art provides a tool for getting these outside of ourselves and releasing intense emotions. This feels cathartic and enhances emotional resiliency, making you more apt to handle whatever hardships life throws your way. It stimulates communication between parts of the brain and enhances neuroplasticity, or the ability to form connections between brain cells, allowing your brain to function more effectively and i