What is Expressive Arts Therapy?

It’s pretty simple, actually. Expressive Arts Therapy is the use of drama, visual art, writing, music, movement, and ritual for the purpose of self-expression and healing. We may use one or more of these modalities in tandem. What this looks like in a given therapy session varies depending on you, your interests, and your comfort levels. As your therapist at my California-based therapy practice, I can help and support you through this process.

Expressive Arts for Fear or Panic

If you’re struggling with fear or panic, a session may include guided imagery to visualize a safe place. Then we may create a collage, painting, or charm to reference when difficult emotions rise.

Difficulty Expressing Feelings

Are you someone who has difficulty talking about their feelings? Then a session may include listening to songs that resonate. Or sharing lyrics to a song that describe how you’re feeling.

Life Transitions

If you’re navigating a difficult life transition, you may benefit from creating a vision board. From there, we can develop concrete action items. You can move toward that vision.

Young African American woman listening to music with headphones on representing someone using music during expressive therapy in California.

Expressive Arts Therapy may also be utilized to work with:

  • Grief and Loss

  • Identity Exploration

  • Trauma

  • Fear and Anxiety

  • Body Image

  • Stress

  • Self-Esteem

  • Perfectionism

  • Family of Origin

  • Sexuality

    The possibilities are endless. And the healing and growth potential is great.


    “But I’m not an artist …”


    I hear that a lot, actually.
    My response is usually, “Great, even better!”

    Expressive Arts Therapy is especially useful for those who are quick to intellectualize their emotions. Do you have a hyperactive inner critic (the inner voice that puts you down)? Let’s work with it through creativity.

Remember, many of us utilized the arts as kids to process experiences and feelings. Many of us stopped in adulthood because we were told we weren’t “good enough.” Expressive Arts Therapy can lend to what I like to call creative recovery.

“What if I do identify as an artist or creative?”

“Also, great!”

Expressive Arts Therapy is a way for you to utilize your imagination to deeply explore issues or feelings. You may also want to explore a new modality.

So, if you are a painter by training you may want to try expression through poetry or music. Or you may want to paint, but also create a soundtrack to accompany it.

The most important thing to know is that Expressive Arts Therapy is not about creating a perfect product. It’s about expression, exploration, and the process of embracing your imagination and inner wisdom in a safe and supported environment.

Young woman painting a picture representing someone who is using expressive arts therapy to address their mental health. Learn more about expressive arts therapy in California here.

But wait, how does Expressive Arts Therapy work virtually?

Such a good question! To be honest, in March 2020 when the whole world was forced to move online overnight, I had my doubts. But I quickly came to realize that what was true before, is true now. The two most important factors in therapy are a solid therapeutic relationship and a safe place to meet. If we have this, healing can happen anywhere.

Visual Arts Expressive Therapy

For those clients interested in working through visual art, we discuss helpful art supplies to have on hand. I am happy to provide a list of suggested art materials. About half of my clients choose to make art in session with me and the others choose to work on art outside of the session. And then share it with me in session.

Expressive Arts Therapy Groups

 I also offer expressive arts therapy groups online for women in California. Groups and workshops for women are also held in person in San Diego.
To read more about expressive arts therapy, check out my blog post here, The Magic is in the Mess: How the Expressive Arts Heal.

 

Begin Expressive Therapy in California

My approach is holistic and tailored to meet each client’s specific needs. Wherever you are at this moment, I'm in this with you - warm, direct, and transparent in the process. And I love the work I do. If you are interested in exploring Expressive Arts Therapy, let’s get started!

Other Services Offered By Jessika Fruchter, LMFT- Therapy For Women And Girls in California

In addition to providing Expressive Therapy in California, I also offer online therapy for women, therapy for teen girls, and Feminist Therapy for women and teen girls in California.

 Other Services Include:

Groups and Workshops for Women:

Magic happens when women come together! I offer new groups and workshops quarterly, both online and in-person. Topics and themes have included: 

  • Therapeutic Writing

  • Mask Making

  • Tarot Practice for Developing Intuition

  • Women’s Circles

Clinical Consultation For Therapists:

I specialize in collaborating with clinicians who want to integrate expressive arts therapy or psychospiritual practices such as tarot therapy, dreamwork, altar making, and ritual, into their practices. I also offer training on these topics. To learn more about my offerings for clinicians visit: www.mycreativepractice.com. 

Training For Psychotherapists:

I have a passion for providing creative and useful training to teams on the front line of community mental health. Past training has focused on trauma-informed expressive arts therapy interventions and burnout prevention. Training may also be developed/tailored based on the unique need of the team. Contact me here. 

 Books And Blogs:

Check out my first book project for teens published in September 2021. For articles and essays about women’s mental health and wellness, check out my blog, Say More and you can also subscribe to receive the latest updates.