Sessions in Italian / Sessions in English
Psychodynamic Art Therapy
Psychodynamic Art therapy is a method that unites the joy of creativity (sensations evoked by artistic materials) with the possibility to learn more about oneself. As such, in Italy it is classified as a psychodynamic therapy while in the United Kingdom and the United States it is classified as a form of psychotherapy. Since it combines two disciplines, the art therapist has normally begun life either as an artist (favoured in the UK) or as a psychologist (favoured in Italy), acquiring the other 'half' thanks to the specific training as an art therapist. In my case, I graduated from the University of Southampton in Fine Arts (1999) and I obtained a Masters in Fine Art (2011) in the United Kingdom. I became an art therapist in 2016 thanks to the 4 year training at Art Therapy Italiana in Bologna. I am on the UK Government's register of the Health Care Professions Council as 'Art Psychotherapist' (no. AS 16144). I subsequently obtained a degree in psychology in Italy (2022) to register as a psychologist in 2023 (no. 10963).
The British Association of Art Therapists defines Art Therapy as follows:
'Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the medium of art as a mode of expression and communication. In this context, art is not a diagnostic tool but a means to deal with emotional difficulties that can create confusion and suffering.
Art therapists work with children, young people, adults and the elderly. Clients may have a wide range of difficulties, disabilities or diagnoses. These include emotional, behavioural or mental health problems, learning or physical disabilities, life-limiting conditions, neurological conditions and physical illnesses.
Art therapy is provided in groups or individually, depending on clients' needs. It is not a recreational activity or an art lesson, although the sessions can be enjoyable. Clients do not need to have any previous experience or expertise in art.'
Art therapy is an experience that must be lived first-hand to truly understand what it is. You will discover a way of using artistic materials that is totally different from 'making art' and leaves you free for authentic self-expression.
Art therapy includes techniques such as Body Tracing, a process that begins with a life-size drawing around the body and can be used to explore identity, body image and bodily sensations through the living mirror in front of you. Art therapy can be applied in many different ways: it becomes whatever you need it to be in that present moment. My studio is supplied with many different materials: fabrics, clay, sand, natural materials (pine cones, leaves, sticks, stones and shells), traditional materials (paints, acrylics, crayons, pastels, inks, pencils and paints for ceramics and fabrics). You can do a pencil drawing at the table or huge painting on the wall. I have a paint-splashed wall specifically to be made dirty and you can freely throw colors, drip paint and express yourself without fear of doing any damage.
