Art Therapy

Art Therapy – What is it?

Art therapy is a branch of psychotherapy that uses art as a form of communication to help recognize psychological problems and devise a treatment plan accordingly. Art has been used for thousands of years as a means to express our emotions and feelings artistically. Professionals working in the field of psychotherapy realized that their patients feel safe to express their deep and sometimes disturbing emotions in the form of painting or drawing instead of describing them in words. This is the idea behind the creation of art therapy that the art provides a safe mode of communication.

Art therapists are trained professionals who have relevant skills and appropriate knowledge to study the art created by their patients. An art therapist can work with people of all ages and have the skills to understand non-verbal cues expressed through art.


What are the benefits of Art Therapy?

It can be used alone or in conjunction with other psychotherapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy. It helps treat the mental disorders and psychological distresses.

You can get benefit from art therapy if you are having trouble with any of the following:

Anxiety, stress, and depression

Substance abuse or addiction

Emotional distress

Age-related problems

Eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia

Psychological issues

Family and relationship problems

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Cancer

Attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD)

Compassion fatigue

This therapy can also help you cope with the emotional implications of medical conditions and physical disabilities. It can help children and adults alike by assisting them to enhance specific skills by:

Teaching them conflict resolution

Improving their social skills

Enabling them to self-regulate in a better manner

Helping them understand themselves on a deeper level


What should I expect from a consultation with an Art Therapy Session?

A typical art therapy session starts like any other therapy session, and it is carried out by trained art therapists. Your therapist will ask about your history and what are you seeking therapy for? They will also provide a brief insight into how art therapy works and what should you expect from your sessions. After gaining enough understanding of your situation, the art therapist will devise an individualized treatment plan and choose a particular form of artwork according to your preference. It is worth mentioning that you don't need to be an artist to seek art therapy.

Different sorts of artwork that can be utilized during art therapy sessions can include:

Painting

Sculpting

Drawing

Doodling

Carving

Collages

Pottery

Clay work

Scribbling

Finger painting

Collage making

Once you start working on your artwork, the therapist will observe your every move without interfering or commenting on your work. After you finish working, your therapist will ask you questions like what was easy or challenging about the process? How do you feel after creating this artwork? What thoughts or memories were going on in your head while working on the project?

Art therapists are trained to make a more profound observation of your art based on color, texture, and various art media. This observation helps them understand your thoughts, feelings, and other psychological depositions. With all these things combined, art therapists can use your art creation to create a therapeutic plan for you.

Conclusion

This therapeutic approach can tap into your deepest thoughts and help you heal from various conditions. Ranging from eating disorders to anxiety and depression. Art therapists have training in the fields of art and psychological therapy to understand and address your concerns effectively.

 

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