Non-Verbal Communication

Because thoughts and feelings are not strictly verbal and are not limited to storage as verbal language in the brain, expressive modalities are particularly useful in helping individuals communicate aspects of memories and stories that may not be readily available through conversation.

For most people memories are often represented in our mind though visual images. Memories in particular have been reported to emerge through touch, imagery, or carefully guided body movements. - Schore, A. (2003)

Art therapy as a primarily non-verbal modality, can help client and therapist build an alliance in a safe, non-confrontational way. A shared creative process can help to equalise the relationship and prevent titles of ‘expert’ in the room.

People may find that image making and symbolic metaphors help in communicating and expressing how their unique experience and feelings towards that experience.