Expressive Art Therapy

I had what I wanted to do in my mind but I just could not put it into words. I guess that is a common characteristics of most creative/artistic people. Visualizations is our understanding and our communication is actions rather than words.

I had a lot of background and learning in many different areas and it was all blending together quite nicely in my brain but to find schooling to comply, or fit perfectly was going to be difficult.

I honestly cannot even remember how I came upon IEATA, except maybe through researching artistic alternative medicine and therapies. 

Whatever the case, I found it.

IEATA described it to a 'T' and they provided schooling and information on certification. This is how they described it.

"The expressive arts combine the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative processes to foster deep personal growth and community development."

Wiki simply defines the therapy almost word for word of my own definition when having to explain to others.

"Expressive therapy, also known as expressive arts therapy or creative arts therapy, is the use of the creative arts as a form of therapy. Unlike traditional art expression, the process of creation is emphasized rather than the final product. Expressive therapy is predicated on the assumption that people can heal through use of imagination and the various forms of creative expression."

Basically, Expressive Art Therapies is different from Art Therapy based on the fact that the 'instructor' is a counselor rather than a psychologist. Expressive art uses psychological knowledge, studies, and understanding but one does not become a psychologist of any sort but a therapist. You do the instructing and  direct yourself through personal choices and direction. Choices are not made for you but a therapist is there for support and as guidance. Not saying that a registered therapist could or could not be a psychologist, it just is not a necessary step.

I personally feel that those in the Alternative Medical field are more so therapists rather than papered doctors. Although schooling is becoming available, it is not necessary although credit ability can be helpful.  From personal encounters with those in the CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine), there is a different mood or vibe about them. They understand the body as much as any other doctor does but in a different emphasis, understandings, and point of view. One generally "prescribes" and the other "suggests." It does depend on the person and other factors but once again, this is a general and personal perspective on the fields similar and yet opposite of CAM and Expressive Art Therapies.

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