Scottish Arts Therapies Forum
About Us
The Scottish Arts Therapies Forum (SATF) was formed to provide a network for sharing and communicating information between the Arts Therapies in Scotland. We aim to promote the work of the Arts Therapies in Scotland through networking with relevant bodies and holding multi-agency events.
The four professional bodies of SATF are:
- Art Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Dramatherapy
- Dance Movement Therapy
SATF is a Registered Charity No: SCO29800
Art Therapy
Art Therapy is the use of art materials for the purposes of self-expression and exploration. Fundamental to art therapy is the relationship between therapist and client and the reflection on the images being produced. The making of art work is seen as the main form of communication.
The therapist draws upon their knowledge of psychological and psychotherapeutic theories to support clients to explore difficult and confusing emotions. This can engender development in client’s understanding of what meaning their images may hold. This in turn can promote greater emotional awareness and personal growth.
Music Therapy
Fundamental to a Music Therapy approach is the development of a relationship between the client and therapist, and music-making forms the basis for communication in this relationship.
As a general rule both client and therapist take an active part in the sessions by playing, singing and listening. The therapist does not teach the client musical skills, rather, clients are encouraged to explore the world of sound and to create a musical language of their own. By responding musically, the therapist is able to support and encourage this process.
Dramatherapy
Dramatherapy has as its main focus the intentional use of healing aspects of drama and theatre as the therapeutic process. It is a method of working and playing that uses action methods to facilitate creativity, imagination, learning, insight and growth.
Dramatherapy refers to those activities in which there is an established understanding between the client and therapist and where the therapeutic goals are primary and not incidental to the ongoing activity.
Dance Movement Therapy
Dance Movement Therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance through which a person can engage creatively in a process to further their emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration.
It is founded on the principle that movement reflects an individual’s patterns of thinking and feeling. Through acknowledging and supporting clients’ movements the therapist encourages development and integration of new adaptive movement patterns together with the emotional experiences that accompany such changes.