Introduction to Therapy through Art
Psychological disorders have been around for as long as this world has existed. So, how does art play a role in therapy? Art therapy became a formal treatment through modern art paintings. It started back in the 1940s when original works of several artists were deemed as a form of self-expression.
The idea circulates around the idea that art unleashes your creativity to promote the well-being of a person. Several doctors of the 20th century noted that patients expressed them feely in drawings and paintings, which led to a healing component.
Due to this, art is now considered one of the most effective ways to tackle mental health issues.
Several modern artists’ artworks have been appreciated in this regard. Diana Roy is one of them. Her exploration of different genres of art shows deep-rooted meanings within. Each piece has its own significance and conveys a deep message imprinted on the canvas.
Forms of Art
Many people also prefer to look at original art by famous artists of the modern time. Their artworks may not come at affordable prices, but several art enthusiasts enjoy looking at them to extract the meaning within. This brings peace to their mind that the artist felt something familiar to what they feel now.
Art is not only limited to paintings on a canvas. It can be of any form. For example:
- Drama
- Music
- Literature
- Dance
Here, we will focus on art therapy through paintings mainly.
The ultimate goal is to let the individual set their mind in motion. This helps them to have an insight into what they’re thinking, and convey that through art.
Art can be of any form, conveyed through any medium, and done at any time. It allows you to be self-aware, and easily express your emotions.
Every art technique used in original art can be employed here too. This may include:
- Doodling
- Hand painting
- Sculpting
- Modeling with clay
- Abstract art
- Working with crayons
- Painting with any medium
Someone struggling with mental health always has a deep message buried within their artwork. Another person analyses their art looking for conflicting thoughts and emotions. This helps with working on their therapy regime too.
How Art Therapy Helps
Art therapy is supervised by professionals in the area. These individuals have a profound understanding of people of all ages, thus inculcating diversity into their programs. Art therapists honor an individual’s psychological state and help them to overcome it through emotionally expressing themselves of art.
Sometimes words are not enough. A person struggling with psychological issues may find it difficult to converse and express themselves openly. With art, they lift this burden off their head.
Art promotes expressive communication through symbols. When an individual finds that they can express themselves through art, and people understand what they are conveying, their behavior improves. Their communication skills, self-esteem, and confidence improve.
Areas Where Art Therapy Can Be Used
We have discussed that even looking at modern art paintings can also improve one’s mental health. It can even be done in groups with other people to promote a positive environment and mindset. Many conditions are treated with this, some of them are:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Disorders of any kind
- Several medical conditions
- Personal-life problems
- Emotional problems
Advantages Associated with Art Therapy
Creative activity has a positive effect on your mind. It helps you to play with your imagination, and dig deeper into your mind. This reduces the stress on your mental health.
People who indulge in art therapy are less likely to be violent. They become individuals with sound minds who deal with less stress.
The effectiveness of art therapy is not scaled. Individuals who indulge in art therapy always have an improved quality of life with respect to psychological health.
Can anyone get art therapy?
You do not have to be a modern artist like Pablo Picasso or Diana Roy Artist, anyone can enjoy this. It is a form of self-expression, and people of all ages can make use of it.
Halen Terry is the author behind many translation,localization, technology, Technical, economics, and information-based articles. He is a translation, localization, and technical writer. His work addresses the human experience in the numerous fields.