HELPING, NOT HEALING

Helping, Not Healing

An art therapy practitioner can assist a client by offering a creative outlet for their emotions as well as assisting them in recognizing the genuine causes of their feelings. It is crucial to emphasize, however, that art therapy practitioners cannot heal clients, only support and guide them.

Regarding healing, numerous forces are beyond the practitioner's control. An art therapy practitioner can offer assistance and resources, but it is ultimately up to the client to make adjustments to achieve personal growth and complete recovery. 

The belief that an art therapy practitioner cannot heal a client stems from understanding how art therapy functions as a holistic modality. Art therapy practitioners assist clients in expressing their thoughts and feelings; they do not tell clients what their artwork should be or what elements of their lives require improvement; rather, clients must come to this knowledge themselves through self-reflection. Art therapy practitioners may point out various parts of artwork, but it is ultimately up to the client to interpret themselves and utilize art as a tool for self-development. 

Patience, trust, and open communication between practitioner and client are required for long-term change and healing to occur. As an art therapy practitioner, you will have knowledge and abilities, but not superpowers. While the practitioner possesses knowledge and abilities, they cannot force the other person to change them.