Clara Luboff - Art Psychotherapist
“Art therapy helps identify stressors and reframe problems”
”People have a resistance to consulting art therapists,” says Clara Luboff, who has a practice in Sydney. She explains to me that, unfortunately, art therapy keeps a reputation of being alternative and not very serious. For that reason, she dedicated a whole page of her website to an FAQ about art therapy and its numerous benefits. ”Art making not only triggers the release of endorphin, but has significant impact in decreasing the cortisol (stress hormone) levels”
Clara has observed the positive effects of art therapy in various settings. These days, she majorly works with kids and teenagers who are less refractory to the techniques. But a few years ago in Singapore, Clara led group sessions at a shelter for foreign female domestic workers. The women she helped came from different countries, were overworked, away from their families and support systems, and had high pressure to bring money home. Clara guided them to create one gigantic piece of art together, and, during an hour per week, sewing became like a universal language. The repetitive movements of sewing were meditative, and the fact that participants contributed to the same piece gave purpose to the exercise. ”It brought them together,” Clara remembers. For many, it was their favourite moment of the week, and they looked forward to the sewing club that strengthened their self-esteem.
”Art therapy helps identify stressors and reframe problems,” Clara says. ”For example, if you hold a scribble made by a client and then turn it upside down, it reveals a different shape. It helps them see that there is more than one perspective on the problem and more than one option as a solution. This results in lower level of anxiety.”
Regarding burnout, Clara recommends keeping a visual diary, which enables to explore situations through abstract and symbolic thinking.
”The journal does not have to look good. It can be whatever the person wants.” To describe further what a visual diary can be, Clara shows me hers, a thick notebook with colourful paintings, photos, drawings and leaves. As she turns pages, she insists, ”It does not have to make sense,” and her advice resonates beyond the pages of the journal. "Do not judge yourself!"
Clara Luboff is an art psycotherapist. She consults in Sydney, Australia. (www.artfullyarttherapy.com/)
Clara created this image to depict a moment in her life when she felt overwhelmed while trying to juggle many activities simultaneously.
The symbolic drawing enabled her to express, externalise, and to process some of the negative emotions.