MEG HAMILTON
"Art washes from the soul the dust of every day life"
- Pablo Picasso
If you have more questions, please contact me. I am happy to answer your inquiries!
01
02
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a method of counseling in which the therapist and client use art materials to explore feelings, experiences, thoughts, and the psyche through lines, shapes, colors, textures, and creativity. Art therapy can be used alongside traditional talk therapy, or can entail utilizing just art materials. Making art in and of itself can be healing, and can open up avenues of self-exploration and awareness in unique and powerful ways. Art therapy can be used to explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.
How is art therapy beneficial?
The process of making art has several benefits- many of which begin at a neurobiological level. Making art can create bi-lateral stimulation in your brain. Bi-lateral stimulation supports relaxation and integration of new ideas and practices you are learning. Art therapy has been shown to be very effective when working with trauma, anxiety, and other issues as it engages the nervous system through the use of sensory materials. Thus, art making accesses and activates parts of your brain and body that may not be accessed in other therapy modalities.
03
Do you have to be an artist to do art therapy?
You do not have to be an artist to do art therapy although you certainly can be! I work in both directive and non-directive ways with art therapy. If you haven't picked up an art material in years and are a bit hesitant I help facilitate the process of working with materials by using projects and activities. If you love art materials and find the process of visual expression to come to you naturally I support this process by allowing you to direct your work. Artist or not my goal is to work with you to find the methods that will enable you to achieve your goals.
04
What other counseling techniques do you use?
​I am trained in Transpersonal Counseling as well as art therapy. Additionally, I use techniques from Trauma Focuse Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, and Positivity Resonance. My goal is to find the techniques that fit for my clients, and to teach practices or behaviors that clients can access on their own in their day to day lives.
05
What is Transpersonal Counseling?
Rather than viewing psychology from the perspective of mental health or illness Transpersonal Counseling views each person holistically, and pays particular attention to a person's spirituality. In this context, spirituality means examining the experiences in which a person feels connected to something larger than themselves. There are many different names and practices for these connections, and Transpersonal Counseling values all spiritual practices and beliefs. I use techniques based in contemplative practices in my work. These include mindfulness, meditation, centering prayer, and more.
06
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a state of active, open awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness practices are helpful in increasing self-awareness, working with anxiety and stress, recognizing maladaptive thought patterns, and promoting connection to both your environment and others.