Art Therapy has to be one of the most creative, expressive, and fun approaches to psychotherapy out there. Since its introduction into the professional world of psychoanalysis back in the 1940s, it has provided compelling examples of the measurable health benefits of artistic creativity and expression.
What is Art Therapy?
The discipline of Art Therapy combines aspects of visual art and creative expression with counselling and psychotherapy in an attempt to treat a range of mental health issues, from anxiety to depression. It can also be used to address emotional difficulties stemming from issues like substance abuse and addiction, abuse and domestic violence, or illness and disabilities to name but a few.
Who is Art Therapy For?
Although this form of therapy is a popular choice for treating child patients, it can be employed to tackle the emotional difficulties of any age group, from young children and adolescents to adults and the elderly. Thanks to the sociable and approachable nature of art therapy, it easily lends itself to group and family application, as well as for individuals.
What Are The Benefits of Art Therapy?
It’s not difficult to guess at some of the more obvious benefits of art therapy: it’s highly ubiquitous, accessible to anyone and everyone and has a low entry barrier, meaning anyone can do it.
What’s more, such uninhibited and comprehensive self-expression and exploration provide a vivid insight into a patient’s psyche. It allows patients to express thoughts, feelings and emotions, which they may have trouble expressing verbally or via any other means of communication.
As well as being extremely cathartic, the process can also provide highly effective distractions from physical pain, making it valuable as an alternative to many physical therapies, as well as psychological ones.
The Future of Art Therapy
Because this is such a popular form of therapy, the number of people training to become qualified art therapists is ever increasing, making art therapy easily accessible to more people. Not only is art therapy offered on the NHS, but if you dared to look around, I’m sure you’d find a number of private practices in and around your area, as well as government-funded charities and projects.
What’s more, because of the universal elements involved, you can practice art therapy at home alone and still benefit from creative arts as a means of therapeutic expression, without the help and guidance of an art therapist.
Increasing at an even faster rate than the number of people training in art therapy, is the number of people who have been helped by art therapy. Reports have shown that in addition to such mental and psychological issues as depression, anxiety and bipolar, art therapy has also aided in the recovery, both physical and mental, of children suffering from leukaemia and women suffering from breast cancer.
t’s clear that the benefits of this seemingly-simple form of therapy should not and cannot be overlooked, with more and more uses and advantages of art therapy appearing every day.
Have you ever tried art therapy? Please share your thoughts and experiences below.
Lianna Thomas-Forbes, is an avid lover of art, literature and all other things creative. She recommends art therapy as an aid to any emotional ailments, large or small.