The Creative Process
Art therapy? Healing through arts in artistic therapy?
Can one’s negative emotions and mental health conditions be alleviated through art and the effectiveness of art therapy? This article discusses art therapy – healing through art. But what is art therapy, and how do art therapists work on patients’ mental health conditions through applied psychological theory principles and creative expression? Art therapy can heal. Art can help people recover. Art can be therapy.
Can it be a form of treating mental illness, aid in the improvement of self-esteem and self-expression through active art-making, or complement a particular medical treatment? How can it become effective? How is art therapy helpful for mental disorders? Can creative art therapy programs help various conditions? Can art therapy benefit children and teens? What entails art therapy sessions? Let us learn and know more information about it the psychological effects of the arts as therapy.
Yes, according to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy does work. It is a form of treatment that I learned about in my college years. It helped me get through those rigorous weeks and gave me something to wake up for – that is how art therapy works. Without the art therapy treatment process that I went through using creative techniques and other expressive therapies, I may have given up on my career. It helped me develop self-awareness and coping skills to tackle mental and emotional stress. Not surprisingly, the American Art Therapy Association has discovered that it’s ideal for ADHD and even post-traumatic stress disorder patients, too.
A credentialed art therapist or professional therapist is trained and qualified to provide services to clients. Art therapy can be offered in a variety of settings, including private practice and wellness centers. It works in helping individuals improve their mood, reduce stress, and process difficult emotions. However, it’s critical to ensure that your therapist has been certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
Even simple tasks like putting on an outfit or listening to class can be a little bit frustrating for people experiencing ADHD. To cope, education and art therapy became a part of the treatment plan. Personal development through the help of a certified expert was shown to alleviate ADHD symptoms, which led to more positive life experiences.
Definition, Description, And Process – How Does It Work?
Art therapy uses the approach of sculpting, finger painting, drawing, and other forms of creativity to improve the well-being of those with ADHD and those with other mental health problems. It is usually used in children who are often guided by a board-certified therapist. The concept behind it is self-expression and self-awareness of artistic talent which can be a tool to provide help in solving a variety of complicated emotional problems, reduce stress, improve social skills and body image, and manage behavior properly. It is healing through an art therapy process because it forces you to form a connection between your mind and your body.
An individual does not need to be a professional artist or have a degree in art therapy to use it. Art therapy is a branch of integrative mental health, although it may be mediated better with a registered therapist.
“In art therapy, the focus is on the process of creating and, to a lesser extent, on the final product,” says Kathryn Rudlin, LCSW. “Creating is the primary initial focus, increased self-understanding usually comes later.”
Why Choose Art Therapy?
British artist Adrian Hill created the term art therapy in 1942 while recovering from tuberculosis in a sanatorium. He wrote that the value of art therapy or creative therapies lay in “completely engrossing the mind (as well as the fingers)…releasing the creative energy of the frequently inhibited patient”. That began his work, which was documented in 1945 in his book Art Versus Illness. Hill worked tirelessly to promote and share this healing process. He eventually became president of the British Association of Art Therapists, founded in 1964, and in 1968, Hill was elected president of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.
However, to become an expert in this field, individuals must typically complete a graduate-level art therapy program and obtain professional credentials. Once they have gained professional credentials, creative specialists may work in a variety of settings, including independent practices. This technique practice involves the use of creative materials and techniques to help clients express and process emotions, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
Art Therapy Process
There is science in art therapy, and neuroscience allows experts to have a deeper understanding of the process. Each time an individual places a brush on a paper, he or she is already engaging in decision-making and problem-solving. Utilizing this type of treatment stimulates neuropathways, which activate various parts of the brain.
Other things that trigger the neuropathways are kinesthetics and sensory experiences. Actions like touch, movement, sound, and visuals fall under this category. For example, working with wet clay is considered art-making and enables an individual to use intensive motor skills. It awakens all the senses and releases tension.
Typical art therapy usually involves several combinations of structured projects created by an art therapist. This treatment program helps the child develop different skills, work through intense emotions, resolve inner conflicts, improve self-esteem, and generally improve a person’s health.
“Eighty percent of sensory stimuli enter through our eyes and goes into our brains where it is retained visually, nonverbally. Most of us think, feel, and recall memories not in words but in imagery. These images become a verbal language when we attempt to communicate what is going on in our mind to someone else,” shares Marianne Gontarz, MSW, LCSW.
Creativity For Mental Health
An art therapy session is simple. However, those who will spearhead these projects – often art therapy professionals or a therapist with art therapy credentials – should make sure that the emotions will be touched when implementing these activities.
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The Scribbles
Scribbles is a popular technique in art therapy that enables a child to release stress and pour down emotions in a balanced manner throughout the creative process. It starts by folding a piece of paper in half. Therapists then instruct the patient to scribble on one side of the paper using his dominant hand. Afterward, he or she must then scribble on the other side while using the non-dominant hand. This has been shown to yield therapeutic benefits.
“Similar to dream interpretation, there is no secret formula to reading another person’s art. You have to ask the person questions about their drawing in order to be able to figure out what a picture means,” explains Drena Fagen, LCSW, LCAT, ATR-BC.
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Worries
Parents might sometimes wonder what a child’s problems are. Art therapy helps address that. At the start of this therapeutic process, the patient will be asked to write down a current problem he or she is facing. This can be done in words (through poems) or drawing (through abstract art) – either way, there is art created. After making it, he or she will then be asked to tear the paper using both hands. Parents, afterward, are required to talk about the artwork by sharing pieces of advice on how to solve their worries. This technique definitely helps improve one’s mental well-being.
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Mandalas – Colorful Art Therapy
A mandala is an artwork comprised of a circle with a pattern sitting in the middle. Some sessions start with therapists asking their patients to create and design their mandalas. This creative process helps promote focus and release calm energy. This is also considered both art and fashion.
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Coloring Sheet
Another art therapy technique to release stress is creating coloring sheets. Using a black marker, a patient is asked to draw a scribble while they close their eyes. Afterward, he/she must color every section of the scribble with different colors.
Art Therapy: Few Therapy Reminders And Takeaways To Consider
Individuals with ADHD may really have difficulty expressing themselves. Using art therapy only proves that for someone with this disability, a picture may indeed be worth more than a thousand words.
Therapeutic Arts Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Considered Art Therapy?
The American Art Therapy Association is a form of therapeutic practice that uses various creative mediums and creative processes to encourage people to express their thoughts and emotions and promote emotional healing and personal growth in the process. It involves the use of various forms of visual arts, including drawing, collage, painting, and sculpting, as well as dance, drama, and music.
By engaging with these artistic processes and working with a therapist, people can explore and communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a deeper, non-verbal, and symbolic manner. The aim of this therapy is to improve self-awareness, reduce stress, and more importantly, improve emotional well-being so they can foster personal transformation and healing better.
Is Art Therapy The Same As Psychotherapy?
Art therapy is actually a form of psychotherapy. However, it is important to note that there are many forms of psychotherapy, but only art therapy involves the use of art as its central component for the process. This allows individuals to explore their thoughts and express their feelings through artistic means.
What Are The 3 Uses Of Art Therapy?
The three main uses of art therapy are self-expression and self-discovery, emotional healing and to reduce stress, and personal growth and development. This form of therapy helps people explore their inner world, process and cope with their emotions, and more importantly, develop insight and resilience.
Does Art Therapy Actually Work?
Yes, the American Art Therapy Association has indicated that art therapy has been proven to be effective for many people. A lot of patients with mental health conditions showed positive impacts on mental health and emotional well-being, as well as anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic illness. But as with any form of therapy, the results of this process may vary. Thus, it is important to consult with a licensed therapist for professional and personalized guidance.
Who Is Suitable For Art Therapy?
Art therapy is suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds, from children to older adults. It is particularly helpful for people who may struggle with verbal communication and those who find it difficult to express themselves to their therapist and traditional therapy approaches. However, it’s critical to ensure that the therapist you find is certified by an Art Therapy Credentials Board.
How Does Art Therapy Affect The Brain?
Art therapy engages various areas of the brain, especially those responsible for emotion regulation, cognitive processing, and, of course, creativity. The act of creating art stimulates neural pathways in the brain, which promotes relaxation, improves self-awareness, and also provides nonverbal means of self-expression.
Can An Art Therapist Diagnose?
No, art therapists are not your regular mental health specialist. They are not qualified to diagnose mental health conditions. Their role is simply to provide therapeutic support for patients of various mental health conditions by facilitating self-expression, self-exploration, and discovery and ultimately promoting well-being. For proper diagnosis, you need to consult a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who’s part of the American Art Therapy Association or is certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
What Qualifications Do You Need For Art Therapy?
To qualify as an art therapist, you need to have a master’s in art therapy or any related field. Moreover, you should have completed extensive clinical training, including internship hours and supervised practicum. Of course, this may differ depending on the country and region. Some may also require certification or licensure requirements specific to their jurisdiction. It can also help to be a part of the American Art Therapy Association or have art therapy credentials.
How Can I Do Art Therapy At Home?
Absolutely, yes. You can do art at home. Simply set aside dedicated time and create a safe and comfortable space where you can freely make your art. Do not be confined to one form of art. Use various materials and techniques, and experiment often so you can find the best art form where you can effectively express yourself, your thoughts, emotions, experiences, and personality.
How Is Art Therapy Done?
Art therapy is conducted by a trained art therapist in a therapeutic setting. The art therapist provides guidance and support to encourage their clients to create artwork that expresses their thoughts and emotions. An art therapy session involves both creating art and reflecting on the artwork made.
What Does Art Therapy Do For People?
Art therapy brings a lot of benefits. First and foremost, it provides the avenue for non-verbal self-expression, which is, for some people, the most effective way to express thoughts and emotions. Secondly, it promotes emotional healing, self-awareness, and self-esteem, as understanding your thoughts and emotions opens the doors for personal growth and insights. Moreover, it challenges the mind through problem-solving, enhancing one’s coping skills. More importantly, it’s a great stress reduction.
Is Art As Therapy Effective?
Yes, art therapy is incredibly effective for many people. Research by the American Art Therapy Association suggests that it can be helpful in improving mental health, managing stress, easing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promoting emotional well-being, all while supporting overall psychological healing and growth.
How Is Art Therapy Healing?
Art therapy promotes healing by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for people to fully express their emotions and thoughts, re-live and process traumatic experiences, and gain insights into those experiences. The creative process and the engagement with the art medium and materials help people express and release pent-up emotions, gain new understandings, and develop a sense of control and empowerment.
Who Would Benefit From Art Therapy?
Art benefits a wide range of individuals, from children to older adults. It can be very helpful for people who have gone through some difficult times or traumatic experiences, to express themselves in a visual manner. Those dealing with grief, and health conditions, and anyone seeking self-exploration and personal growth will also benefit from this form of therapy.
Does Art Make Life Better?
Art is an essential part of life, and it has all the potential to enrich and enhance life. By providing an avenue for emotional expression, fostering self-discovery, and promoting personal growth, art can provide a sense of beauty and meaning. Art can also provide a sense of solace, inspire creativity, and, more importantly, help develop a deeper sense of understanding of self and the world around.