Does Art of Counseling offer internship opportunities? Yes! Every August, we invite marriage, family, and art therapy students to learn and practice under a supervisor. We ask for a minimum commitment of a year at 20 hours a week. The application deadline is February 1st, the year the student would like to begin. Interviews and selections will be made in mid-February. Please apply by contacting our front office or emailing your resume and cover letter here.
Does Art of Counseling accept insurance?
Yes. Art of Counseling is in network with the following insurance providers: Blue Cross Blue Shield (Blue Plus), Ucare, Hennepin Health Plan, Medica, Medicaid of MN (MA), South Country Health Alliance, PreferredOne, Aetna, Health Partners/Health Partners PMAP, Cigna PrimeWest, and United Healthcare. Out-of-Network insurances: If your insurance type is not listed above, please call the number on your insurance card to check out-of-network benefits, or inquire about a pre-authorization for in-network benefits.
What is art therapy?
Art as a form of therapeutic intervention heals the wounded, gives language to the nonverbal, eases the pain of illness, and reforms the offender. The creative process opens the unconscious mind, cleansing emotional pain while giving a common universal language. Art therapy is more than creating artwork but finding new creative ways to enhance and live your life.
Who can benefit from art therapy?
Art is a form of communication that has no age, no gender, no race, and no boundaries and may achieve beneficial results from the therapeutic nature of making a creative expression.
Do I need any experience with art? What if I’m not very good at drawing?
NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY. The focus of art therapy is not on the quality or artistic merit of the work you create but rather on being able to freely express what you’re feeling or experiencing using the art materials.
Does the therapist interpret my art?
Your art is an expression of your personal thoughts and feelings; therefore, it is not interpreted. Guided by the therapist’s expertise and experience, you can figure out exactly what the image means to you. The therapist may also point out themes and patterns that emerge through your art. However, it may not be just the finished product that has therapeutic value but also the process of making the art.
What if I don’t want to make art?
That’s absolutely fine. The therapy sessions are geared toward your comfort level, so you can make as little or as much art as you like. There are other creative ways to work with our therapists, like creative writing, movement, ecotherapy, cinematherapy, traditional talk therapy, and finding other creative avenues in one’s life that are present and forgotten.
How do I know if art therapy is right for me?
Only you can decide if art therapy is right for you. Those services can be provided if you want counseling rather than art therapy.
What is the difference between regular therapy and art therapy?
Art therapy is psychotherapy that uses art as a tool for emotional expression, reflection, and relaxation. It can be used for non-verbal processing and communication and is a gentler approach to therapy. Art-making engages different parts of the brain than traditional talk therapy making for a richer therapeutic experience. Traditional talk therapy is offered interlaced with art therapy; however, talk therapy accesses the more logical centers of the brain. Each therapeutic approach is tailored for the best treatment experience through careful and collaborative treatment planning.
Is art therapy for kids? / Is art therapy for adults?
It is for all ages. Depending on each therapist, we have experience working with children (6+), adolescents, and adults.
Where are you located? / Is there parking available?
Our office is located in downtown St. Paul, near the Union Depot and Saint’s Baseball Stadium. There is metered street parking available and several parking lots nearby. We are also near the Greenline and other bus lines. Click here for more info…
How is telehealth conducted? / How is art therapy done via telehealth?
We use Zoom, or the Spruce Health app, for secure video calling and messaging between client and therapist. Art therapy can be done via telehealth using paper and pencil, or with any other art supplies, you have at home. You can show your art to the therapist using your webcam or send an image before the session to discuss. Click here for more info…