Art Therapy

What is Art Therapy?

This therapeutic practice uses creative expression to bring about emotional and metal healing. It combines psychotherapeutic techniques with creative processes. Studies attest to its benefits. They prove that engaging people through creativity can generally improve quality of life. You do not need to be a talented artist for art therapy to work. All you need is an openness to creativity. In fact, even looking at art can help bring about a sense of calmness, according to this study. The benefits of art therapy can cover people of all ages from different backgrounds. Practitioners have used this technique to help people who have experienced trauma. For example, those who can benefit from art therapy are victims of domestic abuse, war veterans, and refugees. Children with behavioural problems can also gain something from this therapy. Additionally, drug addicts and individuals with a brain injury can benefit from art therapy, as well. 

How does it work?

People may wonder how art therapy differs from an actual art class. In an art class, students are taught techniques to be able to create a finished work of art. On the other hand, during a session of therapeutic art, people are encouraged to look into their deepest thoughts and feelings, then express these through a creative medium. As they create art, people can focus on the present moment. This helps them validate their feelings and thoughts. By doing that, they can strengthen their self image and identity. Also, while they express themselves through creativity, they learn to regulate their emotional responses. Through art, individuals get the opportunity to practice different responses to stimuli. Then they can pick which one works best for them. 

What can you expect from a session?

Therapists tap into individuals' emotions by encouraging them to paint, draw, sculpt, colour, work with clay, or make a collage. Aside from visual arts, patients are also encouraged to explore other media. For example, there is dance, music-listening sessions, playing an instrument, writing lyrics and poetry, and drama therapy. Ultimately, the goal of the therapist is to use art to create a safe space for an individual so that they can open up about what it is they need to resolve. 

Which conditions can art therapy help ease?

• Anger

• Abuse

• Acne

• ADD

• Addiction

• ADHD

• Anxiety

• Arthritis

• Autism

• Blood pressure

• Dementia

• Depression

• Eating disorder

• Fatigue

• Fertility

• Fibromyalgia

• Grief

• Pain

• Panic attack

• Phobia

• PTSD

• Sleep disorder

Art therapy can also improve your health and wellness, as well as your mindset. It can boost personal development, help ease your pregnancy, raise your self confidence, and enhance a spiritual connection. 

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