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WHAT IS EXPRESSIVE ARTS?
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Life
and art are connected in many metaphorical ways and levels. Expressive Arts invites us to explore ourselves
and our senses in art
making. The
arts allows you to freely express yourself without the
boundaries of language.
In a strong verbal
world, the arts offers a wealth of non-verbal intelligence, helping
to strengthen our creative power and deepen our relationship with
life.
The
arts stimulate the brain in new ways of thinking. You are
the expert and your expressions in art are most meaningful
to you and your situation.
In the doing of Expressive Arts we can build on our inner
wisdom and resilience.
The action of doing could be an action of moving from being
stuck. |
Expressive
Arts can be described as integrating modalities, such as imagery,
breathing, painting, drawing, sculpture, movement, music, play,
drama, poetry and/or journaling ( e.g. writing a phrase in response
to a painting). It is an invitation for self expression and self
exploration. Technical
experience in modalities is not necessary as the goal is to “
express” an emotion, self or situation.
It is not to create an art piece, however, it is a way to
shape an image for a new perspective. The client requires no formal
art training.
Moving
from modality to modality helps move through a situation or issue.
Metaphors
emerge, new perspectives appear, new ideas and solutions surface. Because
most of Expressive Arts is non-verbal, it encourages the individual
to stay in body sensations and feelings rather than thinking,
judging or analyzing the
experience.
Expressive Arts is different than traditional talk therapy,
in that it allows for process/goals to transpire in a non verbal
way. Sometimes language
and words are not enough. Sometimes finding words is difficult.
Young people in
particular do not always have the articulation and understanding
that is required to communicate their feelings and thoughts. Words
in themselves can be limiting in the expression of feelings. The
arts by the maker, allow those feelings to be expressed and
witnessed as they are being experienced by the maker.
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Discoveries
are made in the exploration and
perspectives are unique and meaningful to the maker.
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The
EXA Therapist’s role is to be highly sensitive to the
client’s arriving situation/image. The participant is guided and encouraged in making a deeper
connection with their world and their inner self. Availability and curiosity along with a wealth of backup
ideas allow one to change directions and move with the flow of each
individual and/or group.
Upon completion of the process, it then becomes
cognitive and allows the participant to interpret the meaning of
their own work. The EXA Therapist is that of facilitator.
All sessions are confidential.
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Participants
can work on an issue, focus on creative play and/or stress relief.
The focus could be artistic, emotional, sensory and /or
aesthetic. The focus is
totally dependent on the goal of the participant, the group and the
workshop.
Initial
phone call consultation
is complimentary. Sessions are 1- 1.5 hours
in length with a recommended attendance of weekly or semi-monthly
appointments.
Scheduling
is flexible.
PRIVACY
Elke
understands and is sensitive to people's right to privacy and
confidentiality. Information can not be given out or shared
without informed consent. Please feel free to discuss our
confidentiality process and procedures. We have a legal and
professional obligation to report to the appropriate authorities
only in cases where individual are at risk to themselves or others,
i.e. where there is a suspicion of child abuse, or as requested by
court order.
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& shows :
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Contents Copyright © 2004 Elke Scholz. All Rights Reserved.
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