{"id":19998,"date":"2022-11-29T11:27:35","date_gmt":"2022-11-29T16:27:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=19998"},"modified":"2023-03-06T15:29:16","modified_gmt":"2023-03-06T20:29:16","slug":"what-is-art-therapy-and-is-it-right-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/what-is-art-therapy-and-is-it-right-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Art Therapy and is it Right For You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Throughout history, art has been a way for people to comprehend the world they live in and express their emotions. We\u2019ve seen this in many different ancient cultures. Art has been acknowledged as an expression of one\u2019s inner mind. Over time, it\u2019s also become an accepted tool for therapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Art therapy<\/span><\/a> uses visual art as a way to help patients work through difficult life circumstances. It\u2019s a wonderful option for people who have a hard time articulating themselves, or feel more comfortable using art to address their mental health needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Who benefits from art therapy?<\/h3>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having a terminal illness can dramatically change a person\u2019s 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.\u00a0 Art therapy can help terminally ill patients<\/span> foster a healthy emotional state and self-esteem<\/a><\/span>, while also easing distress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Art therapy also helps people who have health conditions such as dementia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can help <\/span>improve language and communication skills<\/span><\/a>, as well as provide symptom relief. It also gives the therapist insight into their patient\u2019s mental state.<\/span><\/p>\n

In times of crisis, art therapy is especially helpful. For instance, it\u2019s been beneficial for many people <\/span>through the COVID-19 pandemic<\/span><\/a>, which has claimed the lives of so many people around the world. It\u2018s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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How does art therapy work?<\/h3>\n

Therapists use art therapy to <\/span>help patients develop<\/a> new coping mechanisms and change thought patterns in order to treat mental health conditions and other health issues.<\/span> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s challenges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Limited research shows that art therapy can <\/span>reduce<\/a> anxiety and stress, while also promoting healing<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What happens during an art therapy session?<\/h3>\n

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\u2019t limited to visual art mediums. It may also include music engagement, movement and writing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Art therapists use art to help clients process the feelings and thoughts they\u2019re experiencing. Art therapy is <\/span>most beneficial <\/span><\/a>when combined with another form of therapy, like cognitive behavior therapy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How does art therapy differ from other types of therapy?<\/h3>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t rely on talking or instruction alone. Instead, art therapists are supportive during the creative process and may incorporate <\/span>other types of therapy<\/span><\/a> like:<\/span><\/p>\n