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What Is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self esteem and self awareness, and achieve insight. |
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The profession of art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. Art therapy is used to assess and treat the following: anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders; impulsivity and attentional issues like ADHD and Autism; substance abuse and other addictions; family and relationship issues; abuse and domestic violence; social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness; trauma and loss; physical, cognitive, and neurological problems; and psycho-social difficulties.
The idea of using art in psychotherapy has been around since the early days of Carl Jung. This modality of healing has continued to grow and expand showing people how the benefits of making art in a safe, secure setting can be. It is through the making of art that feelings trapped inside the body can be moved and expanded on, bringing an awareness to ourselves that was before uncovered. Art therapy uses the creation of art as a primary mode of expression and communication (American Art Therapy Association, 2013). It integrates psycho-therapeutic techniques with the creative process to improve mental health and well-being. Sometimes referred to as creative arts therapy or expressive arts therapy, it encourages people to express and understand emotions through artistic expression and the creative process. By making art in a spontaneous way, one is able to bring unconscious feelings to consciousness. Art Therapy can help a person give expression to their feelings and hidden inner conflicts that they may not have words for. When people are then able to associate feelings verbally to the art work created, the therapy speeds up recovery.
The idea of using art in psychotherapy has been around since the early days of Carl Jung. This modality of healing has continued to grow and expand showing people how the benefits of making art in a safe, secure setting can be. It is through the making of art that feelings trapped inside the body can be moved and expanded on, bringing an awareness to ourselves that was before uncovered. Art therapy uses the creation of art as a primary mode of expression and communication (American Art Therapy Association, 2013). It integrates psycho-therapeutic techniques with the creative process to improve mental health and well-being. Sometimes referred to as creative arts therapy or expressive arts therapy, it encourages people to express and understand emotions through artistic expression and the creative process. By making art in a spontaneous way, one is able to bring unconscious feelings to consciousness. Art Therapy can help a person give expression to their feelings and hidden inner conflicts that they may not have words for. When people are then able to associate feelings verbally to the art work created, the therapy speeds up recovery.
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Art Psychotherapy |
Art as Therapy |
Art Therapy Groups |
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Art Psychotherapy; refers to the creative process that happens when a client and therapist work together to uncover latent or overt feelings that are causing a person distress using the art expressions to enhance the verbal exchanges between the therapist and client. It “embraces the idea that art is a means of symbolic communication and expresses personality, emotions and other aspects of human experience” (Malchiodi, 2006).
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Art as Therapy refers to the enjoyment one receives from creating art either in a group setting or alone. “It embodies the idea that art is in itself therapeutic and that the creative process is a growth-producing experience” (Malchiodi, 2006).
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Group therapy has proven to be one of the most effective resources for those dealing with trauma (Kanas, 2005). By connecting with others who have experienced similar situations in life, the stigma, shame and feelings of isolation are able to shift from holding one back from experiencing joy in life (Yalom & Lesczc, 2005). For those that have felt isolated by shameful secrets, the opportunity to connect with others in a group is extremely helpful in the healing process. Art making within the context of group therapy is a natural way to promote change.
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Looking For More Art Therapy Calgary Information?
Learn how art therapy can be useful for many individuals and helpful in different areas of life.
Learn how art therapy can be useful for many individuals and helpful in different areas of life.
