The Benefits of Art Therapy
Art Therapy in Psychology
By Jo Crea
People have been practising and dependent on the arts for self-expression, healing and communication for thousands of years. However, only recently it has become validated in clinical settings. Here are the basics of this healing modality:
What is Art Therapy?
Sometimes we are unable to express our emotions with language and words and we struggle to verbalise what we are feeling. The transformative power of art and the creative process supports expression, well-being, connection and mental health. Art Therapy is an integrative therapy that uses creative expression that brings about a sense of awareness, self-exploration and self-reflection.
Art Therapy became a recognised field of practice in the mid-20th century and since its inception has been utilised by populations such as children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Art Therapists work with a multi-disciplinary team, these sessions can be conducted at hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centres, aged-care facilities, community centres and private practices.
What happens during an Art Therapy session?
An Art Therapist gently guides individuals or groups through goal-orientated directives or spontaneous emergent sessions. An Art Therapy session is a visual and visceral experience where a variety of materials are used. Mediums like paint, clay, collage, drawing and journalling are utilised to support expression and coming to know. Art Therapists objectively observe the process of mark-making as themes, patterns, behaviours and emotions are expressed and witnessed, supporting new perspectives and perceptions.
Art Therapy sessions allow the elemental sensory experiences of sight, smell, touch, and sound to support and represent one's inner world creatively. The embodied process aids individuals to enter a space in which they are fully immersed in the process, known as the “flow state” accompanied and encouraged by the therapist.
What are the benefits of Art Therapy?
Art Therapy can be a great tool for individuals who struggle with self-expression, verbal or otherwise. Additionally, Art Therapy sessions are known to reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to personal growth, and general well-being. Other benefits include:
· Self-expression
· Self-awareness
· Self-regulation
· Self-direction
· Self-exploration
· Reflexivity
· Development of motor skills
· Resilience
· Critical Thinking
· Flexibility
· Adaptability
· Physical co-ordination
Most importantly, you don’t need to be artistic to participate and benefit from Art Therapy!
Finding the best Art Therapy
When choosing the right Art Therapist, several factors must be considered. A registered Art Therapist is often trained in clinical settings, therefore they are experienced in working with other health professionals, case managers, and service providers. The right Art Therapist can guide individuals in exploring a variety of materials and modalities suited to that individual’s inclinations and interests, helping him/her reaching insights for better self-understanding and to promote personal growth. According to the The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association: “Creative Arts Therapists who are members of ANZACATA, are allied health professionals who have completed ANZACATA recognised and endorsed training with a university or a registered training organisation. They use creative processes to help clients explore feelings that may be hard to put into words. Creative Arts Therapists help clients to reduce anxiety, improve self-awareness and find new pathways to healing.”
Written by Jo Crea, a registered Art Therapist at our psychology clinic in Tweed Heads. Jo is also a registered NDIS provider.