Art Therapy

Lorraine Feber, M.Ed., ATR, received her Master’s degree from the Art Therapy program of Wayne State University. She is affiliated with the Michigan Art Therapy Association and the American Art Therapy Association. She has had experience working with children, adolescents, and adults, both individually and in groups.

Her areas of interest include eating disorders, other addictions and sexual abuse. She utilizes art therapy techniques as a powerful method for the effective management of traumatic stress.

What is Art Therapy?

The process of art therapy is based on the recognition that a person’s fundamental thoughts and feelings (which originate in the unconscious mind) can be expressed in images rather than in words. Art therapy tends to bypass defense mechanisms and the conscious mind’s usual censorship. It utilizes a variety of art materials and techniques as a means of treating emotional conflicts and unresolved issues.

Previous Art Experience is Not Necessary

The inability to express feelings in words is especially prevalent in traumatized individuals. In the presence of an art therapist, early repressed feelings, as well as feelings related to the “here-and-now” can be readily accessed. The art object then acts as a container for powerful emotions that cannot otherwise be easily expressed and provides an effective means of communication. Psychological healing is a creative process that comes through awareness, insight, and growth.

Programs

Individual art therapy sessions for children, adolescents, and adults are available. Art therapy groups can be custom-designed to meet the needs of various populations and situations. The following groups are now available:

1. Managing Traumatic Stress through Art Therapy Techniques

A three-part program focusing on using art experiences to develop a) tools for coping
b) identifying and managing emotions c) relationships.

2. Transforming Grief through Art Therapy Techniques

An eight-session program providing an opportunity to work through unresolved and current grief issues.

3. Recovering the Time of the Child

A series of 6 sessions utilizing art therapy techniques for working with memories from childhood and acknowledging parts of the self that contain creativity, playfulness, and spontaneity.

4. Coming Full Circle from Trauma to Healing

A series of 6 sessions utilizing a Jungian art therapy approach to find balance in one’s life.

All groups will use the format of relaxation components, simple art tasks, journaling, group processing, and making new connections with others.