Eco-Art Therapy
Crescent Moon Counseling offers a way to meet in-person with your therapist through outdoor Eco-Art Therapy. This form of therapy is like traditional talk therapy, except you are casually walking alongside with your therapist while exploring what is bringing you to counseling. Read the FAQ's below to learn more. Or click 'Let's Go' to schedule a FREE 15 minute initial phone consultation to get started.
What is Eco-Art Therapy?
Eco-Art Therapy integrates the healing properties from nature and art making into mental health treatment. Nature becomes a partner in both the creative and healing process. This type of therapy shares characteristics with traditional talk therapy but helps you to gain greater mindfulness and sensory attributes through physical interaction with nature. Read more about the benefits of nature-based therapy by clicking the button below.
What can I expect from an Eco-Art therapy session?
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Eco-Art therapy is facilitated outside with a therapist. You may go for a short walk to find a destination to sit and make art. Or you may spontaneously wander through your natural surroundings, observing, and collecting flora that inspires you. You will let your heart and mind guide you through the explorative creative process.
What type of art materials can I use?
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When meeting for Eco-Art Therapy, art material options expand to include a wide variety of found natural materials. Your therapist will also bring along supplies to assist the creative process. Below is a list of the most common materials.
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Sketchbook & pencil
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Found Natural Objects: stones, twigs, feathers, leaves, flowers, shells, sand, etc.
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Camera
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Watercolor paints
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Oil Pastels
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Colored Pencils
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Yarn
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Or any other art material that will support your creative process!
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Backpack (If you plan on bringing your own materials.)
What type of art can I make outside?
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During Eco-Art Therapy the natural environment may be treated as your living and breathing studio space. This means the possibilities are endless!
Depending on what your goals for therapy, your therapist may have a directive or non-directive therapeutic intervention. For example a directive could entail mindfully drawing in response to your senses. Or a a non-directive intervention may be to create intuitive art by mindfully exploring nature, followed by making art about it. Other art interventions could range from creating pictures inspired by something you are looking at followed by expressive writing, or basing your creative process from a natural process. You may also create ephemeral art which is a temporary art object or installation that is created in and with nature, that may be documented via camera or video before deconstructed. These are just a few ideas, but world is your canvas!
How do I document my art?
Documenting art work or art processes made during Eco-Art Therapy can be an important part of the healing process. Your therapist will have a camera available for you to photograph your art, inspirations, or the creative process. Following the session your therapist will follow all HIPAA procedures to ensure confidentiality of your art work, and will share your photos with you through your client portal. You are more than welcome to also bring along your own camera or use your phone to document as well.
