What is Alternative Art Therapy?
Art therapy uses creative expression as a powerful tool for healing. While language processing, creative thinking, and emotional processing each engage different parts of the brain, unprocessed emotions can become stored within the body. Art therapy helps to integrate these brain and body structures, bridging the gaps between them to facilitate a more holistic outcome.
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Our Alternative Art Therapy stands apart from traditional approaches. In this practice, we invite clients into the artistic sanctuary of Sara Punt, a therapist and fine art photographer who specializes in using the naked body as an alternative, affirming anchor for building a positive self-image. Viewing the body more like a sculptor’s medium, Sara’s work challenges the compromised way we often perceive our bodies.
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Merging Therapeutic Practice with Fine Art
As an art therapist, Sara observes the body language of clients as they create their art, understanding that these subtle movements can communicate something deeper about their inner experiences. This approach explores the connection between art, the body, and therapeutic transformation. This approach involves both artistic creation and therapeutic exploration, which may differ from traditional talk therapies.
Insecurities, traumas, and ingrained beliefs profoundly shape how we experience our bodies and skin. Over time, certain body parts can begin to carry emotional weight, leaving us feeling disconnected from our own form. But what if you could separate these burdens from your body? How would it feel to create with your human form, embracing both its dualities and vulnerabilities?
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The purpose of this art therapy session is to explore your human form, not only as an ever-changing, living, breathing entity wrapped in skin but also as a vessel for endless possibilities. Through this journey, you can discover new perspectives on your body and the potential it holds.
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What is an Artistic Anchor?
​An artistic anchor in Alternative Art Therapy is a tangible, creative expression that embodies your journey of self-exploration and transformation. During the session, you'll engage in a powerful process of "taking apart" your naked body—using its different forms as a medium to create art. This act of deconstructing and reassembling your body in an artistic context mirrors the internal work of dismantling, challenging and reshaping the belief systems and perceptions that have sculpted your self-image.
The resulting artwork becomes an "anchor"—a lasting reminder of your courage and the transformative power of creating something beautiful from your vulnerabilities, helping you stay connected to the progress made during therapy."
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​The aim of creating this anchor is to learn to view yourself and your body as a work of art. Art is not being pretty or fitting in; it’s about evoking emotion and meaning. By seeing yourself through this lens, you can learn to appreciate the aspects that make you unique, including those that may be sources of insecurity or painful memories. All these elements contribute to the living, breathing work of art that is "you."
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Examples of Artistic Anchors created during Alternative Art Therapy:
In session
The session starts with an in-depth conversation about your relationship with your body, where you’ll explore the beliefs, perceptions, and experiences that shape how you view, express and interact with your physical self. This discussion will also provide space for you to share your thoughts, set clear intentions, and establish personal boundaries.
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​Following this conversation, the artistic process unfolds. During the photoshoot, we creatively deconstruct and reconfigure your body using black elements to shape new forms. This approach does not alter your body but invites a fresh perspective through artistic expression. Sara will guide you in exploring your human form in a safe, creative space, helping you address how upbringing, society, insecurities and traumas influence the way your experience your own body. The artistic approach fosters self-acceptance and offers a new perspective where you get to view your body as a vessel of creation.
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The sessions concludes with a reflective conversation on your experiences and feelings from the session. For a comprehensive integration of these insights, we recommend scheduling a follow-up Individual Therapy session to help apply these new understandings into your everyday life and support lasting change.​
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Examples of reasons people come to Sara for Alternative Art Therapy:
Transforming
body image.
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Individuals with negative body image or low self-esteem may seek this therapy to reconnect with their bodies. By creatively exploring the naked form, they can challenge ingrained beliefs and foster a more positive, accepting view of themselves.
Processing trauma.
Those with trauma, particularly related to their bodies or appearance, can use this therapy to process and release emotional burdens stored in the body, expressing deep-seated emotions in a safe, artistic environment.
Exploring identity.
People undergoing significant life changes, such as gender transition, recovery from injury or bodily changes through aging, might use this therapy to explore and express their evolving identity, using art and bodywork as a means of self-discovery.
Overcoming shame.
Individuals struggling with shame or discomfort around their bodies may seek this therapy to confront and release these emotions. Engaging in the creative process allows them to transform vulnerability into empowerment, fostering self-acceptance.
Building intimacy with self.
Those looking to deepen their self-relationship can use this therapy to explore their inner world in an intimate, embodied way, cultivating self-awareness and self-compassion through artistic expression.
Practical information
Our sessions are typically conducted individually with either Sara or Bas, allowing for a personalized approach while benefiting from our combined strengths and collaborative expertise for a well-rounded experience.
We welcome both monogamous and non-monogamous, heterosexual and queer individuals and couples into our practice. Your privacy is our priority; every session is handled with professionalism and care to ensure a safe and supportive experience.
​Session duration:
Investment:
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Location:
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Alternative Art Sessions are with Sara only.
4 hours
€800 per session
including 4 edited photos in Sara's signature style
in-person in our practice in Alkmaar.
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