One of the most important parts of my work as an Art Psychotherapist is listening to feedback. Every group I facilitate in Dublins RHA Gallery teaches me something new and helps me reflect on how I can continue to develop my practice.
Over the past year & since I started offering groups in RHA in 2019, I have been developing and delivering Cultural Art Therapy groups within this gallery setting. This is an area I am incredibly passionate about because I believe museums and galleries can offer something unique within the therapeutic process. Being surrounded by art and culture often encourages people to slow down, reflect and connect with themselves in ways that can feel different from a traditional therapy room.
My Art Psychotherapy Masters research with Ulster University helped me explore how the framework of Art Therapy can be safely used in these Cultural spaces in a safe and ethical way. As this is still a relatively new area of my practice, hearing about participants' experiences is incredibly important. Their reflections help me understand what works well and how Cultural Art Therapy can continue to grow and develop.
Below are some comments kindly shared by adults who have taken part in my gallery based Cultural Art Therapy groups from 2020 - 2022 (both in person and online). I am very grateful to each participant who has given permission for their feedback to be shared.
"I attended without any expectations as to how the classes would go, but for me the whole experience was such a powerful, yet gentle approach. For many years I have attended talk therapy, but having now found Art Therapy, I feel it really gave the parts of me that were hiding an opportunity to be expressed, held and witnessed within a safe group in RHA. Andrea is an amazing facilitator with such a warm and caring energy. I would love to attend again in the future."
"The course opens a window into your elusive inner world. Andrea highlighted facets of my work I'd have missed. I enjoyed the group, everyone was pleasant and considerate. Living in a rural area, it was wonderful to take part in such an enriching experience from the comfort of my home."
"Really interesting course in Cultural Art Therapy. In a very subtle way this course made a great difference. It was particularly helpful during lockdown. It was lovely to connect with RHA gallery art and other people and the sessions were very well facilitated by Andrea. I learnt a lot."
"By being facilitated to fully immerse myself in the therapeutic process, I felt my individuality was acknowledged, and my experience held professionally and empathetically, despite being part of a group. The personal gains I made over the eight sessions were not compromised by being in a group."
"I found the Cultural Art Therapy challenging but so useful in helping me understand and learn more about myself. I found the group dynamic particularly beneficial and learnt so much about myself from listening to others."
It has been a privilege to work alongside everyone who has taken part in these groups so far. Their openness, creativity and willingness to explore something new continues to inspire me.
I am excited to keep developing Cultural Art Therapy and to explore the possibilities that museums and galleries can offer as spaces for creativity, reflection and wellbeing.