You may be surprised to know that art is a very effective therapeutic tool for the treatment of pathologies associated with mental health and well-being. It is a new discipline that aims to promote certain healthy habits, both psychologically and socially, through artistic expression. But, How does art therapy work?
This type of therapy is used as a means of expression, and can help patients communicate, reduce stress, and overcome emotional problems.
Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of art to improve the physical and psychological well-being of the patient.
The expression of one’s own emotions through art can help resolve problems from the past and can help improve self-knowledge, self-esteem, emotional control, reduce stress and anxiety, improve the state of consciousness, attention or creativity.
For someone to benefit from the positive aspects of art therapy, they do not have to be a talented artist, since the goal of this type of therapy is to improve well-being and quality of life.
Who benefits from it?
Art therapy works with patients suffering from mental disorders, for the rehabilitation of prisoners, to educate young people, to improve the well-being of healthy people, etc.
It is used with individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress resulting from war conflicts, sexual abuse or natural disasters; with individuals suffering from physical illnesses such as cancer; with individuals suffering from autism, dementia or Alzheimer’s, depression and other psychological disorders.
With art therapy, patients resolve psychological conflicts, improve social and communication skills and control problematic behaviors while enjoying a pleasant and non-invasive therapy.
Origin of this type of therapy
While humans have used art to express and communicate for centuries, Art therapy only began to be formalized in the 1920s..
Around that time, health professionals realized that patients suffering from mental disorders often expressed themselves through painting or other artistic forms, which led to exploring the uses of art as a therapeutic strategy.
How does an art therapist work?
Art therapists who have a specialized postgraduate degree in Art therapy. This profession falls within the caring professions. In this way, art therapy combines two areas, psychology andarts. Psychology provides knowledge of the human mind and behavior, its processes and development.
Knowledge about art is important because the art therapist uses different media and techniques to work with his patients (painting, drawing, dramatic art, photography, sculpture, etc.).
The benefits of art therapy
After reviewing the most important aspects of art therapy, below we will generally summarize the benefits of art therapy:
In general, art therapy allows us to provide meaning a highly stimulating task that is also very creative. At the same time, it offers a way to express feelings and points of view that, otherwise, would be reserved to the person, sometimes generating frustration.
