What is Digital Art Therapy?
Digital Art Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that encourages expression of emotions and changes in thinking through artistic activities such as creating photomontages, digital paintings, photographs, and videos with music. It is based on the evidence that the creative process involved in the making of art is healing and life-enhancing.
Can I use my own laptop?
Yes, I have a fast PC or Mac for you to use but if you are more comfortable with your own system and your own software, please bring it.
Can I use my own photos?
Yes! Bring your photos on your camera, DVD or flash drive. I love to see you use your own images. I also have plenty of stock photography if you don’t have anything of your own you want to use at first.
Can I listen to music while I make art?
Lots of people listen to music while making art. Some exercises require talking but most don’t. My only request is that I get to listen too. I have a multiplug iPod port so bring something good!
What software will I use? How good do I have to be ?
Only average computer skills are necessary. If you can use a mouse and a keyboard, you can do digital art therapy. There is software for all skill levels. We use the Adobe products but there’s also Art Rage, Painter and free products like GIMP and SketchUp. If you have a request, let me know ahead of time and I’ll see if I can get it.
Do I need to be an artist?
No art talent is needed. Most everyone interacts with digital photos, cameras and art to the degree we work with in digital art therapy. The goal is self-expression, not great art.
Do my parents hear what I talk about or see my art?
Your parents are allowed to see your art and be privy to our conversations however, I make a deal with them that they will let us have our privacy before we start except in extreme situations. I feel it’s important for artwork and conversations to be private.
Can I post my art on Facebook or DeviantArt?
It’s so important that the art be private that I expect the artwork to stay on the drives in my office and not be posted anywhere public. It’s tempting to create something you want to share only to have it commented on inappropriately by someone who doesn’t get it. For this reason, all digital artwork stays in your file and is private between you and me.
Ginger Poole, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, is the only digital art therapist in North Carolina.