Q&A: Online Art Therapy
Q: What is Online Art Therapy?
A: It is a convenient way to reach those that want to try art therapy, but does not want to go into an office for it.
Q: How does Online Therapy work?
A: You will need your own art supplies, a computer, tablet or phone capable of video and sound.
Q: Shouldn’t art be done in person?
A: It does not have to be. In the past, before the 2019 pandemic, it was more common for art therapist to work in a setting, such as a private practice, mental health agency, hospital, nursing homes, schools. But with the changes in the culture, we have made online therapy more accessible, including art therapy.
Q: How do I know what to do during the sessions, since it is online?
A: The art therapist will walk you through each step of the session. During the session you will have a check in and an intro to what to expect. It will be during the check in process the art therapist will gather information that will help her to choose the art task for the session.
Q: You mentioned art tasks, what is that and how is that different from other art?
A: Art tasks is something that art therapist will say, it is not as anxiety-provoking and lowers the expectation that you need to have skills for art therapy.
Q: Do I need to know how to draw or paint?
A: No you do not need to know how to draw or paint. The art therapist will help you understand the medium you are using.
Q: I am nervous about signing up and unsure of the process.
A: You need to complete the form under Book an Appointment, on www.zenartandwellness.com. Once the art therapist receives it she will contact you by email or phone to set up an appointment. She will need to send papers for you to sign and would like to go over what your goals are. That helps the therapist to not have to do the paperwork during your session so you can spend more time making art.
Q: How do I access the sessions by video?
A: The art therapist will email you the link for the video session, before your appointment. It is a HIPPA compliant and secure video platform.
Q: I like to listen to music when I make art, would I be able to do that?
A: Yes, the art therapist might want you to not listen to music, if the art task needs more reflection for your inner thoughts. Otherwise that will be something the art therapist will decide with you at the time of the session.
Q: Wonder if I have only color pencils and paper, can I still take a session?
A: Yes, the art therapist would always like to know what supplies you have and she will give you art tasks for those supplies
Q: I can’t afford the art supplies, but want to take an art therapy session.
A: That is ok. You can talk with the art therapist about this when you fill out the contact form. And you don’t have to have the complete list of supplies. If you can afford one supply, then the art therapist will be able to give you an art therapy session
Q: I can’t afford the sessions, but want to take a few art therapy sessions.
A: The art therapist will work with you on what you can afford for the sessions and discuss ways to cut the cost of art supplies down
Q: Can’t I just make art on my own, wouldn’t that help me?
A: It can help you, but to work with an art therapist you will be able to explore different patterns of thoughts, ways to cope with stress and can help you discover parts of your life that you might be avoiding, or will help you with life goals. And art therapist will be able to direct those topics along with the art making, in a non-judgmental way
Q: Why can’t you diagnose or counsel me?
A: Even though I have a license for counseling, I am focusing this business on art therapy only. It is best for you to have a counselor if you have mental health needs that are greater than what art therapy can do for you. I will refer you if you need to work with a counselor.