Throughout history, art has been a way for people to comprehend the world they live in and express their emotions. We’ve seen this in many different ancient cultures. Art has been acknowledged as an expression of one’s inner mind. Over time, it’s also become an accepted tool for therapy.
Art therapy uses visual art as a way to help patients work through difficult life circumstances. It’s a wonderful option for people who have a hard time articulating themselves, or feel more comfortable using art to address their mental health needs.
Who benefits from art therapy?
Anyone can benefit from art therapy, but art therapists usually work with people who have medical concerns, like a terminal illness, or mental health issues. Art therapists help their clients grow emotionally, creatively and spiritually.
Having a terminal illness can dramatically change a person’s worldview. It can set off feelings of depression, anxiety or despair because of the circumstances. Coming to terms with mortality can help someone get through the time they have left. Art therapy can help terminally ill patients foster a healthy emotional state and self-esteem, while also easing distress.
Art therapy also helps people who have health conditions such as dementia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can help improve language and communication skills, as well as provide symptom relief. It also gives the therapist insight into their patient’s mental state.
In times of crisis, art therapy is especially helpful. For instance, it’s been beneficial for many people through the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed the lives of so many people around the world. It‘s been a great tool for coping with pandemic-related anxiety and depression, as well as for processing the trauma of death and isolation caused by this crisis.
How does art therapy work?
Therapists use art therapy to help patients develop new coping mechanisms and change thought patterns in order to treat mental health conditions and other health issues. The idea is that art helps patients express their thoughts, feelings and experiences without using words. This is very helpful to some who may have difficulty expressing or processing traumatic experiences.
Art therapy offers a way to get help in a more creative way that some people find easier than traditional approaches to therapy. It also gives the therapist and the patient an alternative way to understand and address the patient’s challenges.
Limited research shows that art therapy can reduce anxiety and stress, while also promoting healing.
What happens during an art therapy session?
During a typical art therapy session, your therapist might help you use drawing, painting, collage and other art forms to express your thoughts, feelings and experiences. But this isn’t limited to visual art mediums. It may also include music engagement, movement and writing.
Art therapists use art to help clients process the feelings and thoughts they’re experiencing. Art therapy is most beneficial when combined with another form of therapy, like cognitive behavior therapy.
How does art therapy differ from other types of therapy?
Art therapy is different from other types of therapy because it requires the patient to perform and experience the creative process, along with its results.
It doesn’t rely on talking or instruction alone. Instead, art therapists are supportive during the creative process and may incorporate other types of therapy like:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT promotes healthy behaviors by changing the way you think, while DBT teaches you coping skills to deal with emotions and relationship conflict.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): CBT and DBT are very similar, but DBT is better for sensitive individuals that need help practicing mindfulness, acceptance and validation.
- Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapists take a look at a patient’s childhood and subconscious to understand the patient’s behavior. Then, the therapist helps the patient adopt healthier behaviors.
- Somatic therapy: Somatic therapy taps into the sensations related to trauma. This type of therapy helps you deal with flashbacks related to a traumatic experience, making it especially helpful for patients experiencing PTSD.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): ACT leans on the reality that your anxiety or fear is part of your daily life. Instead of trying to control your feelings, this type of therapy teaches you how to cope with those feelings. It promotes continuing on with your life, rather than letting your mental health hold you back.
- Narrative therapy: Narrative therapy helps patients reframe their experiences to adopt a more positive outlook on life. Changing your narrative can alleviate symptoms of depression.
- Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy is similar to ACT. The biggest difference between these two types of therapy is that exposure therapy encourages you to face your fears instead of simply living with them.
The type of therapy you seek will influence how long you’re in therapy and what kind of provider you see. No matter what your mental health concern is, there’s a therapeutic solution for you.
Do you need to be artistic to undergo art therapy?
You don’t need to be a creative genius to participate in art therapy. Art is subjective and is a way to express yourself. In art therapy, all you need to do is let your creative energy and imagination flow into creating something. You might feel more confident exploring your feelings with an art form that you’re familiar with, which may be helpful if you feel intimidated by art therapy. Over time, you might feel inspired and empowered to tackle a new art form with your therapist.
There’s no such thing as bad art! Creating meaningful art can help you achieve personal fulfillment, emotional stability and transformation.
Where can I find art therapy?
There are many different types of mental health professionals that can get you started on your art therapy journey. Therapists, psychologists, and even, psychiatrists can all provide art therapy. The provider that works best for you depends on your medical history, severity of your mental health and your personal preferences. You might need to try out a few different providers before you find one that clicks, but you’ll be so glad you did.