Why Creative Arts Therapy? In addition to using traditional verbal psychotherapy, our psychotherapists also have a specialization in creative arts therapy. Creative Arts Therapy is a licensed mental health field under the category of Mental Health Practitioner in the state of New York. This category includes Creative Arts Therapists, Mental Health Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psychoanalysts. A Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) is required to complete a Masters degree from a licensure qualifying program, pass a national board certification examination, satisfy continuing education requirements, and have at least 1500 hours of post graduate supervised clinical experience under a qualified licensed mental health professional. Creative arts therapy can serve a non-threatening medium when words are not enough. There is no artistic skill or experience needed to participate in a creative arts therapy session.

What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is the therapeutic use of art making as a form of social and emotional expression. Art therapists foster the healing potential of art in the utilization of specified art materials to help regulate emotional states as well as gain insight into the story behind the art product. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapy theories and techniques with an understanding of the creative process. Art therapists can assess developmental levels as well as address emotional and behavioral issues.  http://arttherapy.org

What is Music Therapy?

Music Therapy utilizes the properties of music, sounds, rhythm and the universality of song within the therapeutic relationship. Music therapy interventions include singing,  listening to music, playing instruments, songwriting, and improvisation. It provides emotional comfort and relief as the medium can serve as a safe outlet for expressing difficult feelings.  http://www.musictherapy.org

What is Dance Therapy?

Dance Therapy is the use of movement as a form of psychotherapy to further the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social integration of the individual. It seeks to improve self esteem and relieve stress while increasing self-awareness. Dance therapy creates a link between feeling, thought, and action by connecting mind and body. http://adta.org

What is Drama Therapy?

Drama therapy integrates methods of psychotherapy within the use of theater techniques such as role play, storytelling, projective play, and improvisation. The modality of drama creates an opportunity for active engagement through an experiential approach which allows an individual to tell his/her story, problem solve, express feelings, as well as improve interpersonal skills and relationships. http://www.nadta.org