Many times, the problems we face, both personally and in society, have to do with emotions that we do not know how to handle, and that is where art can make a difference.
Beyond how beautiful a painting or sculpture can be, art also has a healing power. Have you heard, for example, about art therapy? This tool uses that power to help us understand what we feel and find ways to express it.
Let’s begin, then, by clarifying terms: art therapy is a therapeutic discipline that uses artistic creation as a means to explore and express emotions.
No prior artistic skills are necessary, as your focus is on the process, not the result.
This practice offers a safe space where people can connect with their inner world and find healthy ways to deal with their emotions.
History of art therapy
Although art therapy as we know it today is relatively recent, its roots date back to ancient practices. Civilizations such as the Egyptian and Greek used art in rituals and ceremonies to promote healing of the body and spirit. However, It was in the 20th century when this discipline began to consolidate as a formal practice.
The term “art therapy” was coined by Adrian Hill, a British painter and writer who discovered the therapeutic value of art while recovering from tuberculosis. Hill began to share this experience with other patients, demonstrating that art could be a way to alleviate emotional suffering.
Main precursors
In addition to Hill, other pioneers helped lay the foundation for modern art therapy. Among them are:
These figures integrated art with psychological and psychiatric theories, and thus managed to demonstrate again and again their potential as a tool for emotional healing.
What is art therapy for?
Art therapy has many uses and benefits. It is applied in individual therapies, in hospitals, schools or even as part of personal growth. It serves, among other things, for:
It is a versatile tool that can help both people with specific problems and those seeking to feel better in their daily lives.
Art therapy and its benefits for emotional expression
The most valuable thing about art therapy is that it allows you to express what you feel in a different way. Sometimes, words are not enough or you simply don’t know how to start talking about what is happening to you, and this is how art becomes that medium that gives you a voice when you can’t find it.
1. Communication without words
There are times when talking is not enough or is not comfortable. Drawing, painting or modeling allows you to express what you have inside more directly. You don’t need to be an expert; The important thing is that what you put on paper or any other material reflects what you feel.
Making art is relaxing. As you focus on creating, your mind calms and anxiety decreases. This creative process is like a small respite in the midst of chaos, which can help you feel more calm and peaceful.
3. It is a key to knowing yourself better
When you look at what you’ve created, you can learn a lot about yourself. You may discover emotions you didn’t know you had or patterns in how you feel in certain situations.
When you know who you are, how you feel, and why you feel that way, you gain more tools to better manage your emotions and understand yourself more deeply.
4. You cultivate more confidence in yourself
Seeing that you can create something, regardless of whether it’s pretty or not, gives you a sense of accomplishment. This recognition of your abilities reinforces your self-esteem and motivates you to move forward.
5. Helps you heal what hurts
If you have been through painful experiences, art can help you process them. Creating something allows you to release those emotions that are weighing you down and find a healthier way to deal with them.
As you can see, art therapy is a different and powerful way to connect with your emotions. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never touched a paintbrush, what matters is that you find a way to feel better in art. So, if you feel like words aren’t enough, maybe it’s time to try colors, shapes and textures. You might discover something amazing about yourself in the process.
I’m Emily Williams Jones, a psychologist specializing in mental health with a focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. With a Ph.D. in psychology, my career has spanned research, clinical practice and private counseling. I’m dedicated to helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression and trauma by offering a personalized, evidence-based approach that combines the latest research with compassionate care.
