Health and Justice, Art Therapy in Prisons
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is an established form of psychotherapy, delivered by trained Art Therapists (also known as Art Psychotherapists).
This type of therapy involves art making and discussion with an Art Psychotherapist. Using art materials can help you to express thoughts, feelings and life experiences. It can provide a different way of communicating when it is hard to talk.
You do not have to be good at art as the aim is not about your skills.
Art therapy may help you to understand yourself, build insight and be supported with aspects of life you might wish to change. You can also use art therapy sessions to share your life experiences with a therapist.
What Happens?
Following an initial meeting you may have several sessions for an assessment. The duration can be discussed with the therapist.
During the assessment phase, you may want to explore what it is like to use art materials. You may use the art materials to express yourself or they might help explore part of a discussion.
The Art Psychotherapist can assess your current needs and together you can decide if therapy is appropriate. If it is, you can identify the difficulties you would like to work on.
Art therapy may take place on an individual basis or within a group. This can be discussed during the assessment phase.
The Benefits
• It may help you communicate when you find it hard to talk
• Creating art can improve self-esteem and confidence
• It may help you to understand your emotions, and how you might cope with them
• You may gain understanding of yourself, your strengths and the challenges you face
• It can improve your relationships
• It may help you make links between past and present
The artwork you make is yours, although the therapist may suggest that it be stored securely while therapy is in progress.
When the therapy ends it is your choice to take your artwork or leave it.
If you choose to leave your artwork it will be confidentially disposed of.
How To Get Art Therapy
Speak to the mental health team.
Referrals can be made by prison staff, mental health staff, or you can refer yourself.
You must be open to taking part in therapy.
Feedback
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- this information is useful
- any information is missing
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Do you have concerns or complaints?
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- tell a member of staff
- call our complaints team – freephone 0800 052 0219
- email [email protected]
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