Expressive Arts Therapists in 60649
Brian Weza
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60649
Life can be challenging. Maybe you have been feeling overwhelmed, confused, alone, stressed, sad, or stuck. Perhaps what used to help you feel better is no longer working. Maybe what brought your life purpose and meaning no longers feels aligned with the YOU of today. Maybe you are having difficulty connecting with the people most important to you. Know that whatever it is you are feeling as you read this, it is valid, your experience is valid, and you have the capacity for change. I invite anyone seeking support in their lives, and have experience working with adults from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Life can be challenging. Maybe you have been feeling overwhelmed, confused, alone, stressed, sad, or stuck. Perhaps what used to help you feel better is no longer working. Maybe what brought your life purpose and meaning no longers feels aligned with the YOU of today. Maybe you are having difficulty connecting with the people most important to you. Know that whatever it is you are feeling as you read this, it is valid, your experience is valid, and you have the capacity for change. I invite anyone seeking support in their lives, and have experience working with adults from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Expressive Arts Therapists
What happens in expressive arts therapy?
In an expressive arts therapy session, the therapist will provide the space and materials necessary to encourage the client to express themselves creatively. These can include art supplies, musical instruments, a journal, a camera, and more. The therapist offers careful guidance throughout the creative process, often noticing and talking about psychological issues as they arise. Many clients also benefit from the mind-body connection—the physical act of making art can help them feel more grounded and present.
How long does expressive arts therapy take?
An expressive arts therapy session will typically last between 50 minutes and an hour. Group sessions may run longer. Sometimes, a client might only need one or two sessions of expressive arts therapy in conjunction with talk therapy to resolve a psychological issue. Others might find a fixed number of sessions over the course of either weeks or months to be beneficial. The duration depends on the client and their individual needs and goals for therapy.
How does expressive arts therapy help children?
Creativity is an important part of normal child development. Expressive arts therapy proves a safe outlet for child clients to learn to identify their emotions and express them in healthy ways. In expressive arts therapy, children can build their self-esteem, discover more about their personality and strengths, and feel a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world. This therapeutic approach can be particularly helpful for children with developmental disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech impairments, and other conditions.
What are the limitations of expressive arts therapy?
Sometimes individuals have physical limitations that can affect their ability to express themselves artistically in certain mediums. For example, someone with hearing problems might find it difficult to make music. Sickness and mobility issues can make some types of art physically inaccessible (e.g., sculpting, dancing, etc.). Sometimes, clients are overly skeptical and have trouble letting go and engaging with the creative process. Individuals who require a higher level of care may be better served with other types of therapy.