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Art Therapy - A One Day Introductory WorkshopInstructor: Ms. Audra McManus, M.Ed., Dip. A.T., ATR
In therapy the use of art whether it is crayon, paint or clay provides a unique means to facilitate change. Many clinicians want to incorporate art into their work and would like to learn how. The goal of this workshop is intended to meet this need. Using an experiential approach, participants will experience and learn the basic strategies in Art Therapy and at the same time answer some frequently asked questions about Art Therapy.
What is art therapy and how does it work? Do I need art training?
Participants do not need to have artistic skills or a creative arts background.
The artwork provides a focal point for discussion and becomes a concrete marker to explore new possibilities that facilitate emotional growth and contribute to therapeutic change. This workshop will present an overview of the art therapy process and its clinical role in assessment and treatment. Using simple art materials, participants will have an opportunity to experience the value of creative expression in addressing issues and concerns with clients.
Is art therapy just for kids? Can I use it with adults?
Art therapy provides a safe context for self-expression and becomes a springboard for encouraging communication between therapist and client. Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, families, and groups to assess and treat many mental health issues including emotional problems, substance abuse, relationship issues, trauma and loss, abuse and domestic violence, and other physical and/or cognitive problems. Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of making art to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process as well as artistic self-expression helps individuals to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behaviour, reduce stress, increase self-esteem, self-awareness, and achieve insight.
How can I integrate art in my clinical work?
Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (Drawing, painting, sculpture and other art forms) and the creative process, with models of counseling and psychotherapy. Art therapy programs are found in different settings, including hospitals, clinics, community agencies, wellness centres, educational institutions, businesses, and private practices. In this workshop, you will also experience the clinical benefits of using art therapy directives in the assessment and treatment process.
Date: TBD
About the Instructor:
Audra McManus is a registered art therapist with the American Art Therapy Association, and an approved supervisor with the Canadian Art Therapy Association. She is also a clinical member of the Ontario Society of Psychotherapists (OSP). She will be offering workshops in Art Therapy for OPTI.
Ms. McManus has 18 years of clinical therapy and counselling experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families on issues including separation and divorce, family relationship conflicts, parenting, depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic violence and child abuse.
Currently, Ms. McManus is a counsellor/art therapist and clinical supervisor at Family Services York Region. She was a faculty member at the Art Therapy Institute for six years. Additionally, she was a teacher and supervisor for the International School for Interdisciplinary Studies (ISIS) in Toronto for five years. Ms. McManus obtained her Masters of Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. She has obtained her post-graduate diploma in art therapy from the Toronto Art Therapy Institute.
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