MysticMag chats with Jean Taras, a dedicated art therapist with a deep-rooted passion for utilizing art as a powerful tool for emotional release and self-discovery. Drawing from over two years of practice and accreditation with the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB), Jean employs a person-centered approach, ensuring that each client feels heard and empowered in their therapeutic journey. With a focus on working with women, young women, adolescents, and LGBTQ teens, Jean creates a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their emotions and find calmness through creative expression.
Jean, you mention using art therapy to help women make real and lasting changes in their lives. How do you incorporate art into your therapy sessions, and what specific benefits do you believe art therapy offers compared to traditional talk therapy?
That’s an insightful question! Utilizing art is a fundamental aspect of working with an art therapist. When initially engaging with a client, I explore their preferences regarding art materials, their comfort level with art, and their openness to trying new approaches. Surprisingly, some of my most successful clients had minimal or no prior art experience, relying on their creativity and eagerness to explore a new therapeutic avenue. The benefits of art therapy are vast! It’s an excellent option for those struggling to express themselves verbally or understand their emotions. While conversation plays a role, art therapy emphasizes the art-making process, the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist, and building trust. Trust involves embracing vulnerability, being open to new experiences, and nurturing the client/therapist relationship.
Your approach is person-centered, allowing clients to take the lead in their therapy. Can you describe a typical session and how you support clients in exploring their emotions and experiences through art?
A typical art therapy session starts with 10-15 minutes of conversation to check in with my client, discuss any developments since our last meeting, and reconnect. If there’s a pressing issue my client wants to address, we prioritize that. For instance, if my client’s primary reason for seeking art therapy is self-esteem issues, we incorporate art-making activities focused on building confidence. However, if something urgent arises between sessions, we shift our focus to address the current issue, setting aside our initial goals. This approach aligns with the person-centered approach, meeting the client where they are at and addressing their immediate needs and concerns.
Simple art-making activities can bring a significant release to a person. How do you tailor your approach to meet the specific needs and goals of each client?
Tailoring my approach is a dynamic process! What works for one client may not necessarily work for another, even if they have similar issues. Building rapport is key; once I understand my client’s preferences and strengths in artmaking, I can tailor the activities accordingly. For instance, creating mandalas can be beneficial for anxiety and stress relief, but the approach needs to be individualized based on the client’s capabilities. My background in art education allows me to modify exercises to suit my client’s skill level, whether that involves using tracing, templates, or simpler designs instead of drawing intricate patterns or using paint. If I notice my client becoming anxious during an activity, I quickly switch to a different exercise to prevent unnecessary stress. This flexibility ensures a positive and supportive environment tailored to each client’s needs.
You specialize in working with women, young women, and adolescents. What unique challenges or issues do these groups often face, and how does art therapy help them navigate these challenges?
Women of all ages often face challenges related to body image, self-esteem, and stress/anxiety, among others. The rise in body image issues can be attributed to the influence of social media, with women and young girls striving to meet the perceived “normal” portrayed online. Building women’s self-esteem through artmaking is crucial. Each session provides an opportunity for clients to experience a sense of accomplishment through completing their artwork, which can be a significant confidence booster for those feeling insecure or undervalued. Additionally, I equip my clients with coping tools to use between sessions, such as working in an art journal or creating art to share in our next meeting. The more receptive a client is to the art therapy process, the more likely they are to incorporate art into their daily lives, enhancing their overall well-being and resilience.
You became an art therapist because you wanted people to learn about themselves through creativity. How do you guide clients in using art as a tool for self-discovery, and what role does creativity play in the therapeutic process?
Art serves as a powerful means of self-expression and exploration. I often use my own artwork to illustrate how it reflects different stages of my life and emotions. The beauty of art lies in its ability to evolve with us as individuals, serving as a mirror that reveals aspects of ourselves that may be uncomfortable yet insightful. In art therapy, the focus isn’t on becoming a skilled artist; instead, it’s about exploring feelings, emotions, and what the artwork represents for each individual.
When clients come to art therapy with me, I encourage them to embrace creativity as a form of exploration, risk-taking, and openness to new experiences. These qualities are essential for success in any form of therapy. Whether you consider yourself creative or not, diving into your creative side can be transformative, making art therapy a fitting choice for many. If you’ve tried talk therapy and are looking for a different therapeutic approach, art therapy offers a unique and enriching option worth exploring.
If you would like to find out more about Creative Empowerment Art Therapy, please visit https://creativeempowermentarttherapy.com/
