Expressive therapy is a branch of psychotherapy. Expressive therapy originally stems from creative arts therapy and has since become established as an individual field with many respected professionals. Expressive therapy has been practised for some time and is strong evidence that supports the therapy versus medication debate.

Sandbox Therapy

Sandbox therapy has been practised for some time to help children and adults a like deal with problems. Sandbox therapy provides a unique form of counselling that achieves results were other approaches have failed.

The main aim of sandbox therapy is to encourage people who have difficulties communicating their emotions to express them physically and verbally through playing. Sandbox therapy can also help people find their true emotions when they are having difficulties recognising them. This is achieved by giving the individuals toys to play with. Traditionally toys have been offered to entertain children but now it has emerged that they have a therapeutic use too.

Sandbox therapy has particular success as a diagnostic tool. The psychotherapist invites the individual to play with the toys presented how ever they choose to. By watching the individual freely express themselves the psychotherapist can start to understand the individual’s perceptions of the world and their problems.

Art Therapy

Art therapy involves the process of creating art to help the individual express themselves and understand themselves more coherently. Similar to sandbox therapy art therapy can be used on individuals of all age regardless of artistic merit.

Also, like sandbox therapy, art therapy isn’t limited and allows the individual to express themselves as freely as they choose. Painting is one of the most popular choices but many people also use sculpture collage, and other forms of artistic representation to convey their feelings.

Although art therapy can be used to resolve emotional issues it also has uses in other situations. Art therapy is used in the wider health profession as well as the mental health profession to evoke responses from patients. Art therapy is also used in studios and art workshops to inspire individuals to think without boundaries and be more creative.

Professionals believe that psychotherapy has a unique effect as a diagnostic tool. By encouraging the individual to draw inspiration from their mind we can effectively perceive what thoughts are influencing them. The way the thoughts that are found are presented can show a direct relation between what the individual thinks and how they deal with it, giving an insight into their problems or habits.