What is art therapy?
Notwithstanding great scientific advances, the art of medicine is nonetheless imperfect and full of treatment failures. These failures are disappointing and dispiriting for both patient and physician. Fortunately, the art of medicine can be enhanced by turning to the fine arts. Art therapy is a magical modality, which offers patients a respite from the rigors of healthcare, and a sanctuary for self-expression, satisfaction, solace, symbolism, and supplication. Let’s elevate the art of medicine to a fine art that can heal the body, mind, and spirit.
Art therapy works the same way talk therapy works. In addition to talking about feelings, challenges and concerns, we use art materials to express what’s going on inside. You may have heard the expression, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Art therapy helps people say in an image what is hard to say with words. It is not a tarot reading. I do not tell you what you think or feel based on what you created. Each person has his or her own symbols, responses to color or shape, etc. We talk about it together.
According to The American Art Therapy association; art therapy is an established mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight. Art therapy integrates the fields of human development, visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art forms), and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. Art therapy is used with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, groups, and families to assess and treat the following: anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders; mental illness; substance abuse and other addictions; family and relationship issues; abuse and dom
