The expressive arts weave together art forms in an integrative way. It has been demonstrated that when the arts are used in combination or alternating between one another, they become a powerful vehicle for experiencing, identifying, and communicating one’s true feelings.
An expressive arts process utilizes visual art, music, writing, movement and drama to encourage spontaneity, trust in yourself, and to just be in the flow of the moment. There are no mistakes, no rules and no experience is required. There is nothing to accomplish…no place to get to…nothing to fix.
Here is the official definition from IEATA (International Expressive Arts Therapy Association):
WHAT ARE THE EXPRESSIVE ARTS?
The expressive arts combine the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative processes to foster deep personal growth and community development.
IEATA encourages an evolving multimodal approach within psychology, organizational development, community arts and education. By integrating the arts processes and allowing one to flow into another, we gain access to our inner resources for healing, clarity, illumination and creativity.
Discover the illuminating benefits of aligning with your creative essence:
• Experience the joy of spontaneous expression
• Increase awareness to stories and judgments that limit
• Deepen your connection to your inner voice
• Make peace with where you are
• Reclaim a pleasure in being and doing that is not dependent on approval of others
• Learn to follow your energy
Painting created during Shaun McNiff\’s wokshop.
Explore an experience of creation that is rich with new possibilities. In a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere, I offer resources that facilitate positive expansion through creative expression. The sessions are captivating, insightful and fun. I use a variety of techniques, including:
• Visual Journaling
• Intuitive Art
• Guided Imagery
• Creative Writing
• Creative Movement
• Playback Theater
• Sound and Music
I am the Southwest Regional Coordinator for IEATA (International Expressive Arts Therapy Association). If you live in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas or Louisiana and are interested in an expressive arts networking event or gathering, please contact me!
