Brookhaven Retreat has added an art therapist to its clinical staff. Beginning in June, Allison Apprill will help the women in its residential program get the most from art-centered experiential therapy.
Unlike all other forms of therapy, art therapy does not require the use of words. Artistic expression is particularly helpful for women with mental health and trauma issues who may have trouble expressing emotions with words. It encourages self-discovery and increases self-esteem along the road to recovery.
Art therapists use a variety of artistic media to coax women with mental health issues to express themselves. The expression of a woman’s inner perceptions helps form a more holistic image of a woman’s mental health and experiences. The discoveries made in art therapy can then be addressed during individual therapy.
Brookhaven Retreat believes that the creative process is therapeutic in and of itself, and that the discoveries made while creating art help women resolve conflict, develop interpersonal skills, regulate emotional responses and increase self-esteem and self-awareness. It employs many forms of artistic expression, including decoupage, painting, charcoal and mosaics.
Brookhaven Retreat is excited to welcome Allison to its staff and believes the addition of an art therapist will maximize self-discovery and provide the best possible experience for the women in its program.
