It is common for people living with Anxiety, OCD, and Specific phobias to be referred to evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). It can be difficult, especially post-pandemic, to find therapists who both understand the symptoms of these complex anxiety-based diagnoses and for clinicians to be skilled in this treatment. Evidence-based models are important, effective, and often what helps clients get their healthcare covered. What is being lost by the over-prioritization of evidence based treatments? The mental mental field may be leaving behind other healing modalities that still can support therapeutic learning and recovery. Art therapy can provide many benefits to an individual’s therapy. CBT and ERP can be further strengthened as treatments for Anxiety, OCD, and Specific phobias by using art-based exploration of cognitive strategies, experiences of symptoms, exposure material to fears, and motivations for engaging in therapy. Clinicians can gain insight into a client’s experience, understand symptoms, and strengthen the therapeutic relationship by using art therapy interventions.
With a skilled clinician’s guidance and understanding, clients can use art therapy directives to map out symptoms, gain a deeper understanding of diagnosis, imagine a life with less symptoms, practice exposure through the art making process, and represent their inner experiences of living with this diagnosis. Art therapy can also be applied to cognitive strategies: cognitive fusion/defusion, cognitive distortions, cognitive reframing, thought challenging and more!
In this course, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Anxiety, OCD and Specific Phobias, learn about the basics of ERP treatment, how to adapt treatment appropriately based on age of clients, and effectively apply art therapy to the tenets of CBT: thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Understanding the nuances of these diagnoses and how they function is important to truly help clients live a more full life driven by values instead of fears!