Art Therapy

Introduction

Art therapy is a unique and engaging way in which therapists use to help patients interpret, express, and resolve their emotions and feelings. It is a technique that is inspired by the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being in which an individual’s creativity is explored through art-making which a professional art therapist facilitates. Although arts have been relied on for communication and self-expression for centuries, art therapy didn't start to become a recognized program until the 1940s. The idea stems from the knowledge that individuals living with mental illness often expressed themselves in drawings and other artworks, which led many to use art as a healing strategy. Since then, art has become a major part of the therapeutic field and is used as an alternative to traditional means of therapy. These sessions are used to improve the cognitive functions of the brain which helps to foster self-esteem, emotional resilience, and resolve any inner conflicts. Patients who work with an art therapist are encouraged to understand conflicts or feelings that are causing them distress and use art to help them find resolutions to those issues. 

Types of Art Therapy

A common misconception about art therapy is that it only uses traditional art-making practices, such as drawing or painting, to express creativity. However, art therapy can come in the form of various types of creative expression including but not limited to:

1. Music 

This method utilizes music making, writing, singing, and listening to soothe individuals and improve their overall well-being by making people feel happier and more at ease. This is a helpful way that allows people to express their feelings can enhance their quality of life and help with mental health issues. It is important to note that everyone can engage in music therapy as the main goal of this practice is to have fun and be expressive.

2. Dance 

Dance therapy (DMT) is a form of therapy that uses movement to enhance emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. It promotes physical health by encouraging movement, which improves flexibility and reduces muscle tension, resulting in a more relaxed and calm state. Additionally, dance therapy can help alleviate stress through exercise and assist individuals in coping with anxiety and depression.

3. Writing 

Writing therapy is arguably one of the simplest ways in which individuals can creatively express themselves as it is a practical activity that can be done anywhere. Creative writing such as poetry, narrative, personal essays, and journaling is a great way for people to express themselves through writing scenarios or stories that they may relate to which helps to reduce stress as oftentimes, individuals would feel more relaxed after they’ve written down their feelings. Writing therapy can be suitable for anyone of any age as it is something that people can do regardless of their circumstances which will make them feel better about themselves and the issues they’re going through.

4. Drama

 Drama therapy is an engaging way to reduce stress by using theatrical techniques including role-playing and improvisation in therapy sessions. This method allows individuals to fully express themselves and act out stories to gain self-confidence and resolve conflicts by acting them out in order to see the bigger picture. This is incredibly helpful for people who benefit from a visual approach in therapy as it helps them to understand their experiences in a more hands-on method which is both effective and fun.

5. Painting and drawing 

This is the most common and typical type of art therapy which uses colors, lines, patterns, and shapes to explore an individual’s thoughts and feelings. Painting and drawing therapy utilize pencils, paints, markers, and watercolors to help individuals creatively express themselves through active art-making. Art making is a universal practice in which everyone can engage regardless of their skill set as it helps to reduce stress due to its mood-lifting properties.

Benefits

Art therapy provides numerous benefits that enhance emotional, mental, and physical well-being by offering a creative outlet for individuals to express their emotions. Whether used as a therapeutic tool for mental health conditions, a method for improving cognitive and motor skills, or a way to foster introspection, art therapy promotes well-being by providing a safe space for emotional catharsis.

1. Lower Stress and Anxiety

Engaging in creative activities such as drawing or coloring lowers cortisol levels, which in turn produces a sense of relaxation. Several studies indicate that individuals who take at least forty-five minutes daily to engage in an art-related activity are more likely to possess reduced cortisol levels than those who do not (Everyday Health), demonstrating the relationship between art therapy and stress reduction. Also, the calming nature of art therapy can provide a reprieve from negative thoughts and anxiety in everyday life.

2. Increased Self-Awareness

Art therapy gives individuals the opportunity to channel their deepest emotions into a body of work, fostering emotional regulation and personal development. Through creative expression, people can fully recognize the importance of understanding and processing their emotions. It may also be difficult for someone to verbally articulate their feelings, especially if the feelings are extremely complex or multifaceted. Art therapy would let them communicate their emotions in a way that might not be possible in normal conversation. Additionally, being deeply immersed in a creative experience feels almost meditative, further promoting a sense of mental repose.

        3.  Cognitive Stimulation

Art therapy can increase cognitive abilities by prompting individuals to enter a deep flow state of focus, in which they are entirely concentrated on their task and undistracted by their environment. Tactile experiences like painting, drawing, or sculpting engage multiple senses—sight, touch, and occasionally sound—which stimulate various brain hubs. Over time, art therapy can improve memory retention and problem-solving skills through the stimulation of brain regions.

4.  Pain Relief

Art therapy has been proven to be a valuable tool in the pain management of adults by altering one’s response to the emotional and physical effects associated with pain. It modifies the perception of pain by shifting the brain’s focus away from the pain and onto an artistic outlet. According to art therapist Kelsey A. Skerpan who works with Massachusetts General Hospital, art therapy can “help people better manage the symptoms of stress and anxiety that accompany pain.” Engaging in art therapy can help those in chronic pain reclaim autonomy over their lives by empowering them to make their own decisions regarding creative expression. 

Conclusion

Art therapy is one of the most distinct and transformative forms of therapy available today and is bound to provide you with relief in one way or another. Engaging in a creative process like music, dancing, writing, or drawing can promote introspection, in turn providing you with a more comprehensive understanding of your emotions and the tools to navigate life’s challenges. Creative expression enhances focus and allows individuals to convey emotions that might be challenging to articulate in talk therapy. Prolonged art therapy can boost memory retention, motor skills, and cognitive ability, contributing to a fruitful life. If you are searching for a new way to manage stress or simply enjoy yourself while processing your emotions, art therapy may be for you!

Works Cited

About Art therapy - American Art Therapy Association. (2024, February 7). American Art Therapy Association. https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/

Hodapp, P. (2024, September 25). Art Therapy: A Beginner’s Guide and How to Find an Art therapist. EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/integrative-health/art-therapy/guide/

“Home.” Husson University, www.husson.edu/online/blog/2024/02/benefits-of-art-therapy.

Solan, Matthew. “Art Therapy: Another Way to Help Manage Pain.” Harvard Health, 12 July 2018, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/art-therapy-another-way-to-help-manage-pain-2018071214243.

Writers, S. (2024, October 21). What is art therapy? | Psychology.org. Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource. https://www.psychology.org/resources/what-is-art-therapy/#:~:text=Art%20therapy%20is%20a%20tool,find%20resolutions%20to%20those%20issues.