What is Art Therapy?

Written by Jireh Estrada

Art therapy is a perfect blend of creativity and psychotherapy, using art as a means of

self-expression and discovery. Just like other forms of therapy, it is used to resolve internal and external factors in an individual's life. Sometimes art therapy is used hand in hand with other forms of therapy or it can also be used as an individual. In this paper, we will be discussing how art therapy can aid in the discovery of self, help an individual exercise their mental capabilities, whilst using it as a way of exercising self-reflection.

Art therapy allows for the discovery of the self, taking a focus on one’s limitations and using this form of therapy to manage it. Through art therapy, behavioural management mechanisms can be enhanced.

Art Therapy is an outlet that can “improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being.” (Hurst, P.1) Art therapy is complementary to traditional mental health treatments. It deems beneficial to those who struggle with mental health problems, learning difficulties, individuals with dementia, those on the autistic spectrum, and much more. On the other hand, reduction of stress and anxiety is a direct result of using art therapy.“Creating art can take your mind off of whatever is stressing you, at least for a few minutes.” (Scott, P.1)

Art therapy provides the opportunity for self-expression, allowing one to exercise their mental strengths. To begin, this therapeutic process allows for a boost in self-esteem. Art therapy allows individuals to fully accept who they are, since the self-expression is not limited. This directly correlates with the enhancement of one’s self-esteem. “It can elicit a cathartic and creative experience, give support during loss or crisis, or provide care related to physical loss, such as loss of memory, mobility, sight, or hearing.” (Chapin, P.1) This therapeutic process also evokes emotion and attached memories. “It can serve as a visual link by which the individual may explore past and present experiences-a powerful tool that assists an older adult with reviewing his or her life.”(Chapin, P.1) Finally, it allows for greater self-expression by enabling one to process their feelings. Elements such as “imagery, colour, and shape as part of this creative therapeutic process, thoughts and feelings can be expressed that would otherwise be difficult to articulate.” (Canadian Therapy, P.1)

Therapeutic art aids in self-reflection. For all individuals, this process provides comfort in looking towards the end of life. This is because art therapy opens the door for sensitive topic areas to resurface. Thus, with the help of art therapy, full self-expression is enabled. Granting comfort to all the hurt that was felt in one's life. Additionally, therapeutic art provides a safe space to express situations/ideas that might otherwise be hard to verbalize. One example in which art therapy is used to convey difficult situations/ideas is through social work. In situations where a child's home life may be difficult for him/her to express, the social worker may ask the child to draw a picture of what home life looks like to them. This will instill deeper insight into the child's subconscious thoughts, for legal purposes.

In using Art Therapy, one may discover the cross over between creativity and psychotherapy. Art Therapy is used as a means of treating one’s mental and physical being. Allowing for the discovery of self by enabling one to manage limitations such as behaviour, mental illness, or reduction of stress and anxiety. Further, this form of therapy exercises an individual's mental strength by teaching self-esteem, evoking emotion and attached memories, and helping one to process their feelings. Finally, Art Therapy ensures self-reflection giving an individual comfort by bringing to surface sensitive topic areas and allowing for the expression of topics that may be hard to verbalize. In a world that is constantly in fast motion, it’s important to consider your well being. Now that you have better insight into what Art Therapy is all about, would you ever consider participating in it?