What Is Art Therepy Really All About?

The saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” evaluates the powerful impact that the arts and creative expression have on human perception and communication.

 

Art Therapy

 Art therapy combines psychotherapeutic techniques with the creative method to improve mental health and well-being. The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as a strategy for mental health that wields the process of creating art to improve and enrich mental, physical, and emotional wellness.

 

The purpose of art therapy is to not only utilize creative techniques to help people explore emotional expression but also to learn fresh ways to improve personal understanding and to help individuals suffering emotional and psychological challenges. All of these can help attain personal well-being and enriched levels of functioning.

 

Art therapy pertains to the usage of creative strategies such as drawing, coloring, sculpting, painting, or collage. This enables people to express themselves artistically and helps analyze the psychological and emotional undercurrent of their art.

 

Individuals do not require to be artistic or to have an outstanding ability to partake in art therapy. Individuals of all ages including kids, youngsters, and grown-ups can benefit from art therapy.

According to the researchers, the existence of art can play a vital role in improving mental health.

 

How does Art Therapy work?

 People who create art, whether they consider themselves artists or not, are putting up with a part in the cycle of self-contemplation that allows them a safe space to express their emotions. Besides, it enables them to perceive more control over their life. This creative method is satisfying in its own

 

In art therapy, an individual may do some of these activities:

 

1.         Painting

2.         Drawing

3.         Finger Painting

4.         Clay work

5.         Sculpting

6.         Doodling And Scribbling

7.         Making Collages

Although, these practices take place under the direction of an art therapist, what comes out should be the raw responses of the individual. Understanding them can stimulate mental health and well-being.

 

Circumstances that it maybe a benefit:

 The Art Therapy credentials board announce that art therapy can deal with the needs of:

1.         Addiction

2.         Anxiety

3.         Attention disorders

4.         Grief and loss

5.         Dementia

6.         Depression

7.         Physical illness

8.         Eating Disorders

9.         PTSD

10.    Trauma

11.    Relationship issues and many more.

 Because the emphasis is on the process and not the ultimate product, art therapy is not about evolving into a great artist but about discovering meaning and connection in your life. All you need for it is a willingness to experiment.

Author - Jupitora Dowerah