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 Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy (HICAT) is an approach to therapy that uses art: drawing and painting, craft making, drama, music, movement or dance, sound therapy, storytelling, writing or journaling, sculpture and sand-play, and any other creative activity.

Even though using art for therapy results in the creation of ‘art,’ art as therapy differs from art classes in both intent and results. The intent of using art in therapy is to use the artistic process for healing and self-awareness rather than to learn to make art or create beautiful products. 

Art practiced as therapy needs no experience or artistic skill. As a therapy, art is used as a process for growth and change. Judgements are not made regarding artistic quality. There are no “right” or “wrong” ways to create art when practiced as a therapy. It is unfortunate that many people have been criticized in their past and led to believe they are not good at art. That may be an important subject for discussion in an arts therapy session; however, it will not affect anyone’s ability to participate in and benefit from arts therapy. People with little to no artistic experience can find arts therapy freeing and insightful.

No one can interpret what someone else is thinking by looking at something they have drawn or painted. 

Art practiced as therapy often combines verbal and visual methods. An arts therapist works with their clients or students to develop understanding and find meaning in the symbols and images created, along with the thoughts, memories and feelings they experienced while creating the art. It is self-empowering and places the responsibility for interpretation on the person who created the art. 

All people of any age and any ability can benefit from Arts Therapy, and the beauty of an Arts Therapy workshop or session is that people often leave with an artwork full of meaning to them, which can be used by them for further insight outside the therapy space.

Yes. The science of the mind-body connection - of how the mind can affect the body and vice versa - is solid. And our experience shows this connection to us every day. Your racing heart when you think of the public talk you have to give, or the tears that well up when you remember a loved one who has died. Your mind changes your body. Two popular books on this topic are "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel Van Der Kolk and "The Biology of Belief" by Bruce H. Lipton.

Research has also shown a clear connection between expressing suppressed emotions through the arts (rather than just talking about them) and healing, both emotional and physical. Two books on this topic are: "Art and Healing" by Barbara Ganim and "Trauma and the Expressive Arts" by Cathy A. Malchiodi.