Many people discount art therapy before giving it a chance. This is a mistake. Art therapy has been proven time and time again to have a positive impact on metal health. It allows for the expression of emotions that may be difficult to verbalize. Let’s dive in and see exactly what art therapy is and how it can help those who are struggling with their mental health.
What Is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is an umbrella term. It refers to any therapy in which the patient utilizes art-making and the creative process to facilitate healing and personal growth. It allows the patient to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a pressure-free way. For many, art therapy is easier and less stressful than traditional therapy.
While painting is often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of art therapy, it can also include drawing, painting, sculpting, dancing, music making, collage making, and any other art form. Art therapy is considered a holistic treatment and is used in many
inpatient addiction treatment centers.
Who Benefits from Art Therapy?
Many demographics can benefit from the use of art therapy. Those who benefit the most include:
● Individuals with Mental Health Conditions: Art therapy can be helpful in addressing a number of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression,
PTSD, and more.
● Individuals with Trauma: Traditional therapy can be difficult for those with trauma, as it can be hard to verbalize what they went through. Art therapy allows them to process their emotions without reliving their trauma.
● Individuals with Cognitive Impairments: Conditions such as brain damage, Alzheimer’s, and dementia can make it difficult for one to express themself. Art therapy offers an outlet that does not require verbalization.
● The Elderly: Art therapy can help the elderly improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and enhance their overall well-being.
● Addicts: Art therapy can help people suffering from addiction explore their feelings and get to the root of their addiction.
While the above groups usually find art therapy extremely beneficial, the truth is that anyone can benefit from participating in the practice.
An Outlet for Emotional Expression
Art therapy is one of the most effective outlets for emotional expression. This is because it can be extremely difficult for people to verbalize deep feelings. Almost everyone has had the experience of feeling a certain way but being unable to articulate it in words. Art therapy allows a person to turn their emotions into something tangible and easier to understand. This allows them to get these emotions out into the world, rather than bottling them up. After art therapy, people feel that they have expressed their emotions, even when they haven’t spoken a word about them.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Art therapy is one of the most effective methods of reducing stress and anxiety. It allows the person to focus on the present moment, shifting their attention away from any anxious thoughts they may be experiencing. The soothing nature of art has also been shown to reduce stress, allowing the patient to fully relax. In fact, art therapy has even been shown to lower
cortisol levels. Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone”, as it is responsible for the body’s stress response. Higher cortisol levels cause a person to feel stressed out, while lower levels make them feel relaxed.
Addressing the Inner Self
The inner self refers to a person's thoughts, feelings, values, beliefs, and motivations that define who they are at the deepest level. Knowing your inner self can be extremely valuable when it comes to mental health. Art therapy has been shown to help with this. It provides the opportunity for individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. A person can then take what they learn about their inner self during art therapy and use it to improve their mental health.
