Clinical practise originated in the twentieth century with Freudian and Jungian psychoanalysis, which used visual imagery and creative expression as tools to work with the psyche. The 1960’s saw the first real professional use of the term Art Therapy. This clinical application of art therapy acknowledges the history of all cultures and societies who have used the arts to express and heal themselves. Expressive arts therapies today encompass the full spectrum of the arts including: drama, music, dance, creative writing, movement and visual art.

In a safe and empathetic environment the client is supported to use the expressive arts as a means of gaining access to the unconscious. Just as dreams give unconscious messages so too can art making in its various forms. In the therapeutic space the imagination is freed to ’play’ whereby creativity and self expression are able to reveal themes, memories, wounds and emotional scripts. Through the psychotherapeutic process of art making the creative resources within are activated and this initself is considered therapeutic and healing, thus clients do not need to consider themselves artists. The art medium can express what words are often unable to do, therfore a person is able to share their story fully. While the arts are used therapeutically to resolve problems they also enable people to explore their potential, to become their authentic selves and rediscover ecstasy and joy in life.

An Expressive arts therapist works under therapeutic theoretical frameworks that are relevant to art therapy, their modality and their client population. Their role as an artist also informs their role as a therapist. They are members of the professional body ANZATA and use supervision to keep themselves and their clients safe. The therapist creates a safe and nurturing environment and utilises the arts to enable clients to access the unconscious so healing and growth can occur. A working alliance is established with the client/s through relationship and the art medium. The expressive arts therapist is concerned with the health of the clients mind, body, psyche and soul. The therapist understands that healthy people make healthy communities and healthy communities play their part in creating a healthy planet. An Arts Therapist knows that the client knows what is best for them and understands the power of the arts to transform as they have experienced it themselves.