Things in life can get unpleasant. We face obstacles, go through an assortment of emotions, and at times words just can’t explain what’s going on within. Sometimes, unconventional forms of coping like self expression through art can be a means to healing. In this article, we will explore how art possess transformative power and how to use it to promote healing.
Table Of Contents
Can Art Be Healing?
What Is Art Therapy?
What Types Of Art Help People Heal?
How Can I Use Art To Help Improve My Mental Health?
The Bottom Line
Can Art Be Healing?
Of course! For thousands of years, people have used art as a means of expression. Through art, humans have been able to express their feelings, ideas and experiences, from the vivid cave drawings of Lascaux to the magnificent works of the Renaissance. However, an increasing amount of evidence indicates that art has enormous therapeutic value in addition to aesthetic benefits.
Art provides the extraordinary ability to communicate on a profoundly personal level and transcend even language barriers. It addresses our emotions head-on, avoiding the analytical mind and getting right to the heart of the matter. Painting, drawing, sculpting or any other creative expression can elicit emotions such as joy, melancholy, tranquility or nostalgia—that are critical to the healing process (Junge, 2015; Van Lith, 2016).
Here are some ways that art might aid in healing (Bitonte & Santo, 2014):
Emotional Release: Art gives us a way to release our feelings, even ones that are hard to put into words. Through the medium of clay sculpture, dancing, or painting, we can express our sadness, rage or dissatisfaction. This procedure can be therapeutic, encouraging a feeling of lightness and emotional discharge.
Self-Discovery: Taking part in art can be a very reflective process. We comprehend ourselves and our inner world better when we experiment with various media and investigate creative processes. We can identify previously unidentified hidden intentions, ideas and feelings.
Stress Reduction: Indulging in art may be a very soothing activity. Focusing on the here and now while letting go of concerns and fears is made possible by engaging in creative endeavors. This attentive state can greatly lower tension and encourage feelings of calmness.
Building Confidence: Whether an art project is large or small, finishing it may be a great source of pride and achievement. This accomplishment can increase confidence and self-worth, resulting in a feeling of empowerment and self-belief.
Social Connection: One way to connect with people is via art. Taking part in community art initiatives, attending an art class or just posting your artwork online can all help you feel connected and like you belong. This can be especially beneficial for people who experience loneliness or social anxiety.
What Is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is an alternative form of therapy that can enhances a person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being through the creative process. A professional art therapist guides clients in exploring their feelings, memories and experiences via the use of artistic mediums and imaginative approaches (Van Lith, 2016).
The goal of art therapy is not to necessarily improve ones artistic abilities but to focus on the creative process and investigating the results. After that, the art therapist can assist clients in interpreting their artwork, promoting growth and self-awareness (Farokhi, 2011).
A diverse spectrum of individuals can benefit from art therapy, including those who are coping with (Van Lith, 2016):
Photo By: Steve Johnson
What Types Of Art Help People Heal?
The adaptability of art therapy is what makes it so beautiful. A single strategy may not be suitable for every individual, and what is effective for one may not be for another. The following are a few popular art therapy mediums:
Visual Arts: Popular mediums for visual expression include collage, painting, drawing and sculpture. Painting and drawing give people a tangible means to express themselves by allowing them to graphically depict their ideas and feelings. The physical experience of working with clay and other sculpting materials can be quite calming and peaceful.
Music Therapy: One of the most effective tools for expressing oneself and releasing emotions is making or performing music. Our emotions are greatly influenced by music, which can arouse strong sentiments of inspiration, comfort, or nostalgia.
Movement Therapy: People can express themselves physically and establish a connection with their bodies through dance and movement therapy.
Drama Therapy: Individuals can explore relationships, communication styles and emotions through role-playing and theatrical events.
How Can I Use Art To Help Improve My Mental Health?
You may use art’s therapeutic properties in everyday life even if you’re not interested in formal art therapy:
Set Aside Creative Time: Make time to develop your creativity every day or every week. You may try a quick craft project, play an instrument or doodle for thirty minutes.
Explore Different Mediums: Don’t be scared to try new things! Try your hand at writing, sculpting, dancing, painting or even taking pictures. See what speaks to you.
Focus on the Process: Give up the obligation to produce a work of art. Pay attention to the delight of creating and discovering your inner self.
Embrace Imperfections: The power of art does not require perfection. Accept flaws and use them to add character to your distinct artistic voice.
Connect with Others: Participate in online art communities, take an art lesson and show your artwork to friends. It is immensely fulfilling to connect with people via the arts.
The Bottom Line
Overall, art possesses the ability to heal, inspire and transform. The act of creative expression, whether it be through journaling, dancing to your favorite music or painting on canvas, may be a powerful instrument for personal development. Explore the therapeutic benefits of art and self-expression, and don’t be scared to unleash your inner artist. A single brushstroke, a dancing move, or a poignant phrase can start your road toward general well-being, so follow your creativity and embrace it.
References
Bitonte, R. A., & Santo, M. D. (2014). Art Therapy: An Underutilized, yet Effective Tool. Mental Illness, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.4081/mi.2014.5354
Farokhi, M. (2011). Art Therapy In Humanistic Psychiatry. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 30, 2088–2092. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.10.406
Hunter, M. (2015). Art Therapy and Eating Disorders. In The Wiley Handbook of Art Therapy (pp. 387–396). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118306543.ch37
Junge, M. B. (2015). History of Art Therapy. In The Wiley Handbook of Art Therapy (pp. 7–16). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118306543.ch1
Van Lith, T. (2016). Art therapy in mental health: A systematic review of approaches and practices. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 47, 9–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2015.09.003
Written By: Dr. Wasif MD
Edited by: Madison Vargas, BS
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Kyle Zrenchik, PhD, LMFT
Published : 05/28/2024
Disclaimer: ALL IN Therapy Clinic aims to improve people’s lives. We do this through providing effective mental health counseling by passionate professionals. Inspired by this, we write content for your own education. Also, our content is researched, cited, reviewed, and edited by licensed mental health professionals. However, the information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Additionally, it should not be used in place of the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.
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