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Art therapy, which is alternatively known as expressive art therapy or creative arts therapy, is a unique form of therapeutically approach in treating mental and physical conditions. This mode of therapy helps people to realize and express their emotions through various creative forms or artistic expressions.

Art therapy benefits

Various art materials ranging from paints, markers, clay to the most advanced digital tools are used in art therapy, which effectively combines traditional psychotherapeutic methods with various expressive forms of art and music. The major benefit of art therapy is its ability to increase one's awareness of self and society. This further contributes towards:

Promoting self-development

Enhancing coping skills

Improving cognitive functions.

The approach of art therapy is most based on the psychological personality theories, growth and development of human being, human psychology, social and family systems, combined with art education. Some skilled professionals practice art therapy by gaining formal education and skills in both psychological therapy and art. Art therapists possess expertise in:

Psychological theories

Clinical practices

Spiritual aspects

Multicultural traditions in art, and

Art for healing.

Art therapists used to provide consultation assistance to other allied healthcare professionals to aid in diagnostic procedures and also therapy benefits contributing to faster healing. Art therapists also work with individuals or all ages and also families, couples, social groups, and communities, etc. They also provide consultation to clinical teams, rehabilitation programs, forensic science institutions, community outreach programs, corporate, schools, etc. to name a few.

Who can benefit from art therapy?

At the baseline, anyone can get the benefits of art therapy. In the modern world, people have countless ways to express their self, and art therapy is one of these. However, the major difference between art therapy and other modes of communication in expressing one's self is that other methods either need language or words to express the thoughts, whereas art is universal and without language boundaries. Often, human beings are mostly incapable of expressing their tangible feelings and emotion by using their language.

The beauty of art therapy is that a person can express his or her feelings through a very creative and enjoyable form of art. Even though there are other forms of expressive therapies as a part of psychotherapy, art therapy is the most traditional one. Drawing, painting, photography, sculpting, and music everything now works as a part of art therapy.

Like any other therapeutic method, art also used as therapy in the treatment of emotional and mental states. However, art therapy is not only used as a treatment. It is also used as a source of energy and also to help the self-discover of clients who had undergone major physical or mental disorders. Many people do it now as a resource for creative outlet.

Individuals suffering from conditions like depression, stress, relationship problems, familial issue, nonperformance related issues among others are found to get largely benefited from art therapy. This method is also used largely by life coaches and counselors to understand the mental state of their clients and also as a mode of treating their conditions.

Source: Learn more about therapy benefits.