What is
Art Therapy?
Art therapy or Art Psychotherapy, like the term suggests, is healing in the world of art. Art therapy is a professional practice that combines a creative process and psychotherapy. The use of artistic methods to deal with psychological problems/traumas makes the process different, yet very effective.
Art Therapy enables one to mentally strengthen and promote solutions through the process. Art Therapy enables communication that does not depend solely on verbalisation. Art therapy offers a smorgasbord of opportunities for self expression, self exploration and understanding of self to facilitate growth and healing.
Art as a form of therapy
Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
Art Therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.
Benefits of Art Therapy
Helps release stress
It is a proven fact that any form of artistic indulgence helps release stress and is therapeutic.
Help cope with grief, loss or trauma
Layered emotions that can sometimes lead to shock, major depression or even unhealed trauma can be combated with Art Therapy.
Improves overall mental growth
Art therapy can help recognise issues that one isn't aware of. A skilled professional can take you through therapy by using art as a medium therefore, improving overall mental health.
Can treat multiple psychological issues
Art Therapy for adults can be used to treat multiple psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship trauma, trauma from past abuse, inner child issues, aging anxiety, medical conditions including cancer, substance use disorder and even post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD).
Enriches lives
Art Therapy enhances lives through creative art-making with applied psychological support.
Common myths about Art Therapy
You need art skills
No prior art experiences or skills are needed to take up therapy sessions.
Art therapy is only for children
Adults can equally benefit from art therapy. It is open to all age groups and is just as effective as it is for children.
Art therapy is like an art class
Art therapy is nothing like taking an art class. Its main focus is psychological healing through art and not really the enhancement of artistic skills.
I will get immediate results from Art Therapy
No form of therapy is immediate. It takes time, effort and a process to discover the problem and slowly heal from it. Everyone’s journey is different and it cannot be compared.
Art therapy is for people who are physically challenged
Art therapy is not only for people who cannot verbally express themselves. Do not mistake art therapy for a non verbal approach.
Problem is identified as soon as the therapist looks at artwork
While their skills enable them to navigate therapy through art, it is ultimately the artist that will recognise the issues and dive deep into their healing process.