Art therapy is a form of integrated mental health/human services offered by professionals in active art-making by developing the creative process through applied psychological theory within a psychotherapeutic relationship. In layman’s terms, art therapy involves creative techniques like drawing, painting, dancing, music, acting, writing, etc., in order to express oneself in an artistic manner while examining the psychological and emotional undertones of the art.
There is a multitude of rationales as to why one would participate in art therapy, although, it is generally used to decrease symptoms of stress and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from anxiety. The reliance on art as a form of communication and healing has always been a well-founded solution. However, art therapy was first introduced in 1940 by Margaret Naumburg and Edith Kramer as a method for clients to tap into their inner thoughts and experiences through creative expression. Medical professionals have found that this can be very beneficial for mentally ill individuals who have a hard time understanding and verbalizing difficult, strong feelings. It is said to increase self-awareness and self-worth in addition to decreasing stress and anxiety; however, has been –in recent years– used more frequently in order to improve the quality of life in cancer, dementia, and Parkinson’s patients (Cherry).
Specific techniques used in art therapy studies involve doodling/coloring, building collages, working with clay, finger painting, and so much more. Using a hands-on approach allows one to activate different parts of the brain in order to express one’s inner thoughts from a separate perspective than one may be used to. Through exploring one’s creative process, therapists are able to analyze themes and conflicts that may not be apparent through conversations alone due to deep-rooted trauma or anxiety (Tiret).
Art therapists are trained and certified in both art and therapy studies in order to effectively practice mental and physical health, rehabilitation, and education. As art therapy continues to grow, so do the resources surrounding it. Finding art therapy practitioners in your area plays out simply as finding any mental health practitioner in your area, and is a very sustainable option for many individuals struggling with traditional communicatory forms of therapy.
References
“About Art Therapy.” American Art Therapy Association, https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/. Accessed 27 October 2022.
Cherry, Kendra. “Art Therapy: Definition, Types, Techniques, and Efficacy.” Verywell Mind, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-art-therapy-2795755. Accessed 27 October 2022.
Tiret, Holly. “The benefits art therapy can have on mental and physical health.” MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 25 May 2017, https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_benefits_art_therapy_can_have_on_mental_and_physical_health. Accessed 27 October 2022.
Comments