Alternative Wellness in New Jersey
Alternative Wellness Services In NJ
At Mind by Design Counseling, we understand that mental health treatment mustn’t be approached with a one-size-fits-all mentality . That’s why we believe in offering our clients a variety of therapeutic approaches to help them on their journey towards healing.
What is Creative Art Expression Therapy?
Our therapists incorporate art and creativity into the therapeutic process. This type of therapy is based on the belief that the creative process can be used as a tool for self-expression and personal growth. Clients are encouraged to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences through a variety of creative mediums, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, or writing. This can be done with a wide range of materials, from traditional mediums like paint and charcoal, to everyday items like coffee grounds or sand.
Why Use Art as a therapy support?
Sometimes it’s hard to find the words to express how we are feeling. Art can be a helpful support tool in therapy to help with communication, expression, mindfulness & grounding. Therapists use art as a tool to help clients understand, express and resolve their emotions.
What Types of art forms are used?
Journaling
Writing
Scrapbooking & Collaging
Painting
Drawing
Pottery & Ceramics
Story-Telling
Music & Dancing
& So much more!
Who can benefit from creative therapies?
All skill levels and abilities can use creative therapy supports. If you have an open mind and willingness to try, creative arts may open up new tools for you to use to express yourself.
The use of art as a therapy support can be an effective treatment for those who are experiencing developmental, medical, educational, social or psychological differences.
If you’ve struggled to open up in therapy, or you’ve struggled with “knowing what to say”, using art can help you communicate with your therapist and anyone else.
How does it work with Virtual Therapy?
We’ve made the adjustment to virtual-based therapy and incorporate art by sending out clients an “Art Box“. Our “Art Boxes” are customized based on each client’s needs, are at no additional cost to our clients, and are sent directly to your home.
Some of the items that we like to start out with include the basics, such as drawing pads, drawing pencils, paint and paint brushes, clary and watercolors. Our experienced therapists will walk you through the process of becoming familiar with the tools and how to use the supplies to best support the therapeutic process. In session, your therapist will guide you while engaging in the art activity with you.
Key Benefits of Creative Art Expression Therapy
Increased self-awareness
Through the process of creating, clients can gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and develop increased self-awareness. This can lead to a greater sense of insight, clarity, and understanding about one’s own mental health and wellbeing.
Reduced anxiety and stress
This approach can foster a sense of relaxation and calm, reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress. The act of creating can support mindfulness, allowing individuals to focus on the present moment and tune out distractions and worries.
Better communication skills
Clients improve their communication skills by using creativity to express their thoughts and feelings in a non-verbal way. Clients may also see improvement in their listening skills, as they learn to observe and respond to the emotional and non-verbal cues in their own work and in the work of others.
Increased self-esteem
When clients are able to express themselves in a meaningful way and see their own creativity and uniqueness reflected in their work, this can lead to an increase in self-esteem and confidence.
What is Virtual Reality Therapy?
Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) is a form of psychological treatment that uses virtual reality technology to create simulated environments for patients to engage in therapeutic exercises. The purpose of VRT is to help patients overcome phobias, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions by exposing them to their fears in a controlled, safe environment.
VRT has been found to be effective in treating a variety of mental health issues, including:
What is Virtual Reality Therapy Used to Treat?
Phobias
Anxiety disorders
PTSD
Panic disorder
OCD
Depression
Addictions
Chronic pain
Eating Disorders
Stress-related disorders.
How does it work with Virtual Therapy?
All you need is a smart phone to use our VR headset in therapy!
We have made every effort to make VR accessible to our clients. Each client receives a VR headset sent directly to their homes at no additional cost. Clients also receive a quick-start guide to make the use of VR easy and stress-free.
Our experienced therapists will walk you through the process of becoming familiar with the headset and app so that you can begin using it immediately.
Mind by Design Counselors use the technology from Amelia Virtual Care. Amelia is a VR software specifically designed for mental health therapists to use as a support in therapy and offers a variety of VR immersions. Check out more here: Amelia Virtual Care
It is important to note that VRT is not a standalone treatment and should be used in combination with other therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or talk therapy, depending on the individual’s needs
If you’re unsure about VR therapy, please reach out to us or read more by clicking below. We are confident that this type of support can help even the most treatment-resistant challenges!
