Art therapy

What is Art Therapy?

Artists have used their art form to digest and work through their thought processes for millennia, long before psychotherapy was established.

Research shows that art can be useful as an adjunct tool in a guided, therapeutic setting for achieving meaningful progress in a person’s mental well-being, especially in cases where people have difficulties expressing themselves effectively through one-on-one talk therapy. Different art forms allow people to use other mediums of self-expression and communication than conversation or conventional therapy.

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How Does Art Therapy Help Treat Mental Health Issues?

Visual art therapies, such as drawing, painting, collaging, and sculpting, can be valuable when helping individuals who prefer to interact or communicate through art than verbally. Art therapy is highly effective when working with younger children, but is still used in the treatment of adults, including older adults.

Research shows that creative expression can be calming, reduces stress, and has a positive impact on a person’s overall mental well-being. Expressions made through art also help positively or neutrally process an otherwise negative event, such as utilizing drawings to relive or reprocess a painful or traumatic memory. Art therapy can be especially useful in the treatment of trauma-specific mental health problems.

Different Types of Creative Art Therapy

Art therapy encompasses a large variety of different treatment methods relying on creative art, including drawing and painting, but also:

Music Therapy

Music therapy uses music to address emotional, cognitive, social, and physical needs through activities like listening, singing, or playing instruments. It leverages the therapeutic properties of music to facilitate communication and expression.

Music therapy can reduce anxiety and stress, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and promote emotional healing. It is particularly effective in fostering social interaction and providing a creative outlet for expressing feelings.

Writing Therapy (Journaling)

Writing therapy, including journaling, involves expressive writing exercises to process emotions, reflect on experiences, and gain insight into one's thoughts and feelings. It is a self-guided or therapist-led practice that encourages introspection.

Writing therapy can help clarify thoughts, reduce stress, and improve mental well-being. It aids in emotional release, enhances self-awareness, and provides a constructive way to cope with trauma and stress.

Movement Therapy

Movement therapy, or dance/movement therapy, uses movement to promote emotional, cognitive, and physical integration. It focuses on the therapeutic use of dance and movement to support mental and physical health.

Movement therapy can improve body awareness, self-esteem, and emotional expression. It also helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, increase physical activity, and foster social connections.

Drama Therapy

Drama therapy involves the use of theater techniques to facilitate personal growth and mental health. It employs role-playing, storytelling, and acting out scenarios to explore emotions and behaviors.

Drama therapy can enhance communication skills, boost confidence, and provide a safe space for exploring difficult emotions. It encourages creativity, helps process trauma, and can improve problem-solving abilities and social interaction.

Art Therapy at Resolutions

Art itself can be healthy, and part of a healing process. But when combined with the guiding voice of a therapist, art therapy can be an unconventional yet effective way to work through memories, emotions, and specific issues via drawing, painting, singing, playing, writing, or acting. Give us a call to learn more about our art therapy programs and other treatment methods here at Resolutions.