Benefits of Art Therapy
Art therapy provides an alternative way to express thoughts and feelings through the use of verbal communication and art-making.- The application of art has the ability to break through obstacles and make verbal expression more accessible.
- What cannot be said with words may be more easily expressed through art.
- Metaphors and stories emerge through art which can provide a ‘voice’ for material which may be difficult to express.
- Art therapy is active, physical, fun, and stimulating.
- Emotions and art are closely connected; making art can aid in uplifting one’s mood.
- Making art activates the whole brain and fosters integration of emotional, cognitive, and sensory processes.
- Emerging and recurrent symbols expressed through art can help to make unconscious material conscious.
- Art can make the hidden visible in an external and tangible way.
- Art making provides an experience which reduces stress and anxiety, relaxes, and decreases worry.
- By drawing or visually expressing feelings, even if they aren’t identified or labeled, there will be a starting point from which issues may be addressed.
- The creation of art can, in and of itself, be a form of self-expression and healing.
- When utilized as a tool to facilitate verbal communication, the focus is on one’s verbal associations to the artwork — personal metaphors and symbols are associated with the imagery.
- Art therapy is primarily concerned with exploration and healing. The making of “good” art is not a requirement. Therefore, prior art experience or skill in art is not needed in order to successfully engage in art therapy.
