What is Art Therapy?

Remember the feeling,

When you last strummed your guitar,

Or when your fingers danced on the piano keys.

Or maybe when you drew some random lines on the paper sheet,

And maybe mixed some colors in your palette.

Or maybe when you danced with your fullest potential,

And sang on the top of your lungs.

Or maybe wrote a poem about how you feel,

And maybe a story that helps you heal.

Let it be any other moment when art has made you feel alive

Or maybe acted as a catharsis on your hard days.

You maybe not the type of person who likes to create art but I’m sure maybe observing art or feeling it would have helped you calmed down, maybe given you some new perspective or soothed your soul.

Art is not just some kind of hobby, professional skill or something we just like doing but can be used treatment of severe mental illness issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and some phobias too. Art is a great way of expressing our emotions and feelings even without the use of words, and can even help in reflecting ourselves, processing our thoughts, and find comfort.

In this blog, we will be talking about the use of Visual art as a therapy.

What is Art Therapy? 

The use of artistic methods in therapeutic ways for enhancing mood and treating psychological disorders is known as Art Therapy. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process, especially the affective properties of the different art materials. It is rooted in the belief that the expression of oneself in artistic ways is therapeutic for healing and seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. One proposed learning mechanism is through the increased excitation, and as a consequence, strengthening of neuronal connections.

Common techniques used in therapy include:

Painting

Finger painting

Doodling

Scribbling

Sculpting

Drawing

Using molding clay

Carving

Making pottery

Making cards

Using textiles

Making collages

Health Issues that can be treated using Art Therapy:

Anxiety

Depression

Substance dependency

Stress

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Aging and geriatric issues

Cancer

Heart disease

Anorexia

Other eating disorders

Cognitive impairments

Family or relationship issues

 

A Brief History of Art Therapy

Throughout history, Art has been used a medium of communication, group interaction, and conflict resolution. Different cultures and religions have incorporated carving sculptures, making paintings and symbols not just to keep the history alive but also for healing. However, it came to be accepted as a therapy in recent times, in the mid 20th century. The term “art therapy” was coined in 1942 by British artist Adrian Hill, who discovered the healthful benefits of painting and drawing while recovering from tuberculosis. ( Good therapy)

Who can benefit from Art Therapy?

Anyone who wishes to. One doesn’t really need to naturally talented or have expertise in artistic skills to get benefit from the therapy; any individual can reach out to an expert and have the benefit. Sometimes, the person undergoing therapy expresses himself, understands his own thoughts and emotions, and maybe even resolves them too. Other times, he might need an expert to decode and interpret his art, understanding the nonverbal messages such as the meaning of colors and shapes, the metaphors, the symbols, the softness or hardness of the strokes. Some may also use this therapy for self-development and enhancement of cognitive processes.

Sometimes, it is difficult for people suffering from different mental illnesses to express their emotions and feeling verbally. This is where art therapy comes in hand, people not only find it easy to express themselves but also have a therapeutic effect on their minds.

Who are Art Therapists?

Art therapists are people who expertise in both psychology and art. They have a master’s clinical degree and work with people of all ages across a broad spectrum of practice. Art therapists work with individuals, couples, families, and groups in diverse settings. Some examples include:

Hospitals

Schools

Veteran’s clinics

Private practice

Psychiatric and rehabilitation facilities

Community clinics

Crisis centers

Forensic institutions

Senior communities

Why and how should you use Art therapy for yourself?

In a world where everybody is in a hurry carrying loads and loads of bags of tension, art therapy is much of a needed thing. Creative art is much of a taboo in the adult world despite its many benefits which people are unaware of. Even if you are not someone with extraordinary skills, just try picking those crayons, markers or paintbrush up which is left untouched for ages, and try using your creativity to its fullest. Just think about the last time you made art maybe when you painted those sceneries with V-shaped birds, with mountains with a rising sun, with water flowing somewhere, with a few trees and a small hut, might be on a valentine card you made for your lover. Or maybe you tried to make that favorite cartoon of yours. Or maybe when you made your best friend’s portrait which didn’t turn out to be very similar but they loved it anyway. Weren’t these moments when you felt proud of yourself and patted your own back?

 References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279641/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_therapy

Hass-Cohen, Noah; Carr, Richard (2008). Art Therapy and Clinical Neuroscience. London and Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. pp. 79. ISBN 978-1-84310-868-9.

https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/art-therapy