Exploring Virtual Art Therapy: A Modern Alternative to In-Person Sessions
Art therapy has long been celebrated for its ability to promote emotional healing and personal growth through creative expression. With the rise of digital technology, virtual art therapy has emerged as a compelling alternative to traditional in-person sessions. This blog post explores why virtual art therapy can be an interesting and effective option, how it works, what you need to get started, and how to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Why Virtual Art Therapy Can Be a Great Alternative?
Accessibility: Virtual art therapy breaks down geographical barriers, making it accessible to people who live in remote areas or have difficulty traveling. It provides access to therapists who might not be available locally.
Convenience: With virtual sessions, you can participate from the comfort of your home, saving time and reducing the hassle of commuting. This can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule.
Comfort and Privacy: Being in a familiar environment can enhance comfort and openness. Virtual art therapy can also offer a greater sense of privacy, which may help individuals feel more at ease.
Flexibility: Virtual art therapy offers flexible scheduling options, allowing you to choose times that work best for you. It can also be easier to arrange sessions if you have a fluctuating schedule.
How Virtual Art Therapy Works?
Initial Consultation: The process typically begins with an initial consultation, where you and your therapist discuss your goals, preferences, and any specific needs. This helps tailor the sessions to your individual requirements.
Session Format: Virtual art therapy sessions are conducted via video conferencing platforms like Zoom, or specialized teletherapy platforms. At Ginkgo, we use the teletherapy platform Jane. During these sessions, you’ll engage in creative activities such as drawing, painting, or digital art using materials you have at home.
Art Creation: You and your therapist will discuss and choose art therapy intervention based on your therapeutic goals. You might work on these artwork during the session or complete them between sessions. The focus is on the creative process and its emotional impact, not just the finished product.
Discussion and Reflection: After creating art, you’ll discuss your work with your art therapist. This reflection helps uncover insights and emotions related to the art, facilitating deeper self-awareness and understanding.
Follow-Up: Your art therapist will provide guidance, and you’ll plan future sessions based on your progress and evolving needs. Homework assignments or additional projects might be given to continue the therapeutic process.
What You Need to Attend Virtual Art Therapy?
A Reliable Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is essential for smooth video communication. Ensure your connection is reliable to avoid interruptions during sessions.
A Computer or Tablet: You’ll need a device with a camera and microphone to participate in virtual sessions. Most modern computers and tablets come equipped with these features. The use of a telephone is usually less recommended for virtual art therapy, as the image tends to be too small.
Art Supplies: Depending on the art therapy interventions and objectives, you’ll need basic art supplies such as paper, pencils, paints, or digital art tools. Your art therapist will guide you on what materials are necessary.
Storage Space/Portfolio: When a client undertakes in-person art therapy, the art therapist takes on the task of storing and ensuring the security and confidentiality of the client's creations. Since this is not possible with virtual art therapy, it is advisable to find a safe, organized place to store your creations during the therapy. This makes it possible to revisit creations created at a later date, to easily continue a creation, and to review all creations and themes addressed during follow-up when the end-of-follow-up process is underway.
A Quiet and Private Space: Find a quiet, comfortable and private space where you can focus on your art without distractions and fear of expressing yourself freely. Having a space like this allow you to create your own safe space in which self expression is facilitated. In order to get the most out of the process, it is therefore not possible to be in a public place or in a room of the house, where other residents can hear what you're sharing and see what you're doing. We don't express ourselves in the same way or we don’t share the same things when we know we're being observed or might be heard by someone else.
How to Know if Virtual Art Therapy is Right for You?
Comfort with Technology: If you’re comfortable using digital tools and can navigate video conferencing software, virtual art therapy might be a good fit. If technology feels challenging, discuss this with your therapist to ensure you can get the support you need.
Personal Preferences: Consider whether you prefer the convenience and privacy of virtual sessions over in-person interactions. If you value the flexibility of attending therapy from home, virtual art therapy could be an excellent option.
Therapeutic Goals: Reflect on your therapeutic goals and whether virtual art therapy aligns with them. If you’re looking for a flexible, accessible alternative that still offers the benefits of traditional art therapy, virtual sessions can be highly effective.
Trial Sessions: For therapeutic follow-up to be optimal and beneficial, it is important that you feel comfortable - with the art therapist, with the therapeutic approach and the method of meetings. This is why, at Ginkgo we consider the first meetings important for the establishment of the therapeutic alliance and to determine if it is a "good match". If you feel uncomfortable with any of these aspects, know that it is always possible to discuss it with your therapist and explore other possible avenues.
Access to a private and safe space: Having a private and safe space for virtual therapy sessions is crucial for ensuring confidentiality, comfort, and the ability to fully engage in the therapeutic process.
Virtual art therapy offers a modern, flexible, and accessible alternative to traditional in-person sessions. By leveraging technology, it brings the therapeutic benefits of art into the comfort of your home, providing a convenient and private space for creative expression and emotional healing. If you’re curious about trying virtual art therapy, consider your comfort with technology, personal preferences, and therapeutic goals. With the right setup and mindset, virtual art therapy can be a powerful tool for enhancing your well-being and personal growth.
You would like to explore if virtual art therapy would be a good fit? Complete our Book a consultation form to get a free initial consultation with one of our art therapists.
