Understanding the Impact of Art-Assisted Therapy
The power of art on the human mind has long been studied. We are inspired by art and the desire to create art of our own in various forms. Art can help us manage emotions, cope with stress, connect with the world, and reflect on our own minds. Over the years, this has given rise to a new medical application and therapy approach known as art-assisted therapy.
Art-Assisted Therapy Goals
Art therapy aims to tap into the creative process and use art as a form of self-expression. By doing so, individuals can find new ways to gain personal insight, improve communications, deal with emotional upset, manage stress, overcome medical complications, boost self-esteem, improve their overall health, promote self-awareness, build social skills, process trauma, and develop new coping skills.
Techniques used in art therapy can include:
- Collages
- Tracing
- Coloring
- Finger painting
- Painting
- Doodling
- Scratchboards
- Drawing
- Photography
- Sculpting
- Clay work
Art-based therapy focuses on giving people a way to think about, process, communicate, and deal with their emotions. For children coping with autism and other severe disabilities, adults coping with trauma and pain, or anyone dealing with negative stressors, the use of art can improve their response to therapy and thus improve their quality of life.
What Art Therapy Can Help With
Art therapy can be used on an individual basis, as part of group therapy sessions, or as part of larger therapy treatments. Art-assisted therapy can be combined with music, audio, visual, and other treatment approaches to improve the benefits of therapy overall. Some conditions that art therapy may be used to treat include:
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Cancer
- Cognitive disorders
- Depression
- Physical disabilities
- Motor skills
- Memory issues
- Eating disorders
- Emotional disorders
- Autism and learning disorders
- Communication issues
- Relationship problems
- Medical conditions
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Psychosocial issues
- Mood disorders
- Stress and uneasiness
- Substance use disorder
- Many more
Benefits of Art Therapy
According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, as little as one hour of creative activity per day can significantly lower stress and positively affect your mental health. And this is regardless of artistic experience or talent, meaning you can color, draw, paint, trace, or anything else creative and enjoy the benefits.
People dealing with and recovering from emotional trauma, natural disasters, health-related issues, physical violence, domestic abuse, mood disorders, societal stressors, anxiety, depression, and other psychological concerns and disorders may need more advanced and guided assistance and support. These individuals can get relief through art-assisted therapy and improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being by expressing themselves creatively.
Get Artwork of Your Own Today
And even if you cannot always make art yourself, you can achieve similar results simply by enjoying the art around you in your day-to-day life. Adding art to your home or office is a wonderful way to extend the benefits of art therapy to your regular routine. To find the perfect piece of art, check out the Artblok shop today and find a new art piece for yourself!