All About Art Therapy

This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.

If you’ve ever tried therapy before, or even considered it, then you know how intimidating it can be to talk about your life with a stranger. This is especially true when you need to discuss trauma or other challenging experiences. While some people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings early on in the therapeutic process, this isn’t the case for everyone. Thus, various approaches, like art therapy, have been developed to help people open up with more ease.

Art therapy can promote security and comfort by providing a safe, welcoming environment in which children and adults alike can address social, mental, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and medical concerns. Not only do participants get to use their creativity to make something new, but they also get to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings in the process. In this article, we’ll be discussing all you need to know about the world of art therapy, including its definition, forms, and benefits.

What Is ArtTherapy?

Art therapy is a creative type of talk therapy that utilizes various forms of art to help people express their thoughts and feelings. You don’t need to be an artist to participate, as people of all ages and skill levels can benefit from this approach. People may work with an art therapist to develop greater self-awareness, problem-solve, or address concerns that are causing them pain or distress. Art therapy engages the body, mind, and spirit, promoting healing and overall well-being.

Different Types Of Art Therapy Techniques

Art therapy can be taken in almost any direction, depending on the needs and goals of the client as well as their interests. Some of the art forms people may engage in when participating in art therapy include:

● Poetry
● Photography
● Coloring
● Sculpting
● Crafting
● Painting
● Music
● Drawing
● Calligraphy
● Pottery
● Collage
● Paper mâché
● Textile

The versatility of art therapy is what makes it so special. Whether it’s a child or adult participating, there’s often just the right activity they need to heal and grow.

What Can Art Therapy Treat?

Art therapy can be effective in managing and treating several different conditions as well as improving certain concerns, including the following:

● Trauma
● Depression
● Chronic pain
● Stress
● Anxiety
● PTSD
● Dementia
● Substance use disorder
● ADHD
● Low self-esteem
● Loneliness
● Cancer
● Eating disorders

Art therapy may be recommended in other cases not listed here, depending on an individual’s situation and needs.

Benefits Of Art Therapy

Those who participate in art therapy may experience a number of positive outcomes in their lives. These include:

● Self-expression: Art therapy can improve an individual’s ability to express themselves, as they can illustrate their thoughts and feelings through their artwork. It’s not about what their final piece of art looks like, but rather the unique process they go through to create it. Some things are tough to say out loud, but art therapy can help people find an effective way to communicate while remaining secure and comfortable.

● Mental wellness: People who engage in art therapy often experience reductions in symptoms of mental illness . Through this approach, participants can develop healthier levels of self-esteem, more productive thought patterns, and a stronger ability to emotionally regulate themselves. They may also find that their mood is more stable, their energy levels are higher, and their pain has been lessened.

● Concentration: Making art requires a person’s time, effort, and attention. Thus, art therapy can help people learn how to be more present and focused. Instead of getting easily distracted, they can train their minds to be mindful of where they’re at and concentrate on the task in front of them. Outside of sessions, this can lead to improved performance at work or school, higher retention of information, and more effective use of one’s time and energy.

● Social connection: Art therapy may take place individually, but it can also happen in a group setting. In either case, the participant has the chance to connect with another person, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. If there are other group members involved in the process, they can exchange stories, offer advice, and extend encouragement to one another. This benefit can be particularly important for elderly individuals, who may experience negative feelings like loneliness and isolation at a higher rate.

● Relaxation: Art therapy promotes tranquility and a calm state of mind, helping people relax and stay in the present moment. Hearing the strokes of a paintbrush against a canvas or the feeling of clay between one’s fingers can be cathartic, allowing people to release their pent-up emotions and adopt a more balanced state of mind.

● Stress relief: Art therapy allows people to create something completely new. This process can be therapeutic in itself, boosting levels of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin and ultimately reducing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Experiencing less stress can allow people to cope with life’s challenges with more ease and determination.

● Self-confidence: While it doesn’t matter what skill level someone is at when they participate in art therapy, many people find that they are better than they think or see improvements in their work over time. Thus, art therapy can help instill in them a sense of accomplishment, boosting their self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. This newfound confidence can carry over into their lives, helping them reach their goals, take risks, and handle obstacles more effectively.

● Healing: Many people participate in art therapy because they need to process something difficult or traumatic, such as grief, assault, loneliness, or abuse. Art provides an effective avenue in which to rediscover one’s sense of self through creativity and expression. Instead of having to talk through every little detail, participants can illustrate their pain, hurt, and heartbreak by creating artwork instead. The comfort and safety of this environment can help promote healing and recovery, regardless of the issue being faced.

The potential advantages of art therapy can extend well beyond this list. People engage in this approach for numerous reasons and tend to draw unique benefits from it that hinge on their reasons for engaging in art therapy and their unique response to it.

Is Art Therapy Right For You?

After learning more about art therapy, you may be considering it for yourself. This approach can be appropriate and effective for a wide range of individuals, including children, adults, the elderly, those with certain mental illnesses, and people who have experienced trauma. It can also be helpful for those who are struggling to express themselves in their current therapy sessions.

Art therapy is not recommended for individuals who have certain physical or cognitive abilities that could keep them from participating or those who are simply unwilling to engage in the creative process. Likewise, people in distress typically need more urgent and intensive care that can’t be provided by this approach.

If art therapy appeals to you and you’re ready, willing, and able to participate, consider connecting with a local or online art therapist to learn more. It’s important to discuss your needs and goals with the therapist before beginning the process to see whether art therapy is the right fit for you. Remember that progress often takes time, so try to be patient with yourself if it’s taking longer than expected to reap its rewards. Taking this step toward personal growth is a sign of strength and something to be proud of.